Is it grammatically correct to omit the Oxford comma?
Unless you’re writing for a particular publication or drafting an essay for school, whether or not you use the Oxford comma is generally up to you. However, omitting it can sometimes cause some strange misunderstandings.
Why is the Oxford comma so controversial?
This practice is controversial and is known as the serial comma or Oxford comma, because it is part of the house style of Oxford University Press.” There are cases in which the use of the serial comma can avoid ambiguity and also instances in which its use can introduce ambiguity.
Why is the Oxford comma necessary?
The Oxford comma is the comma placed before the conjunction at the end of a list of things. Proponents of the Oxford comma say it’s necessary for removing ambiguity in sentences. Of course, there are detractors as well, writers who vehemently oppose the use of the Oxford comma, seeing it as superfluous.
Does the New York Times use the Oxford comma?
(In most cases, The Times stylebook discourages the serial comma, often called the Oxford comma because it was traditionally used by the Oxford University Press.) It appears the Maine Legislature has learned its lesson, at least.
Why the Oxford comma is necessary?
How does a comma cost a million?
The US Government vs. Fruit ($38,400,000) Rather than a missing comma, an unwanted comma in US Tariff Act of 1872 cost the US Government two million dollars (around $38.4 million in today’s money). The issue arose because of a clause that exempted “fruit plants” from import tariffs.
Does The New Yorker use the Oxford comma?
The serial comma, also known as the Oxford comma, We use the serial comma at The New Yorker. It prevents ambiguity.
Why are there no commas in a will?
Punctuation was traditionally omitted in legal documents and this practise is continued by many Will and Trust drafters. Drafters prefer instead to use underlining or spacing to avoid the ordinary use of commas. It makes a document easier to read and can also convey meaning.
When did a misplaced comma cost a company money?
1872
Rather than a missing comma, an unwanted comma in US Tariff Act of 1872 cost the US Government two million dollars (around $38.4 million in today’s money).
Who wrote comma?
Aldus Manutius (also known as Aldo Manuzio) was a 15th-century Italian printer who introduced the comma as we know it, as a way to separate things. The word comma comes from the Greek word koptein, which means “to cut off.”
What are superfluous commas?
Except after an introductory dependent clause, do not use a comma to separate a dependent clause from a main clause unless the dependent clause provides nonessential information.
What does a comma mean legally?
According to Cuny School of Law, commas must separate independent clauses whenever they are joined together by coordinating conjunctions, such as and, for, but, or, yet and nor. You should also use commas to separate three or more phrases, clauses or words within a sentence (eg:phrases, clauses or words).
Does AP style use the Oxford comma?
The Oxford comma comes right after eraser. Use of the Oxford comma is stylistic, meaning that some style guides demand its use while others don’t. AP Style—the style guide that newspaper reporters adhere to—does not require the use of the Oxford comma.
Is the Oxford comma the same as the serial comma?
Oxford comma (also known as the “serial comma” or “Harvard comma”) is the name given to the optional final comma in a series. In the phrase “ham, egg, and chips” it’s the comma between “egg” and “and”.
Do we need the Oxford comma?
For those in need of a grammar refresh, the Oxford (or serial) comma is a comma placed between the last two items in a series of three or more. For instance, “I like cake, pizza, and ice cream.”. Proponents of the Oxford comma argue it’s necessary to avoid potential ambiguity.
What is the Harvard comma rule?
In English language punctuation, a serial comma or series comma (also called an Oxford comma or a Harvard comma) is a comma placed immediately before the coordinating conjunction (usually and or or) in a series of three or more terms.