oxford comma before or after and

", 2003; This punctuation style, however, does have a drawback: It may imply a closer connection than actually exists between the last two elements of the series (p. 89). Its omission may suggest a stronger connection between the last two items in a series than actually exists. There is a ferocious grammatical debate over whether a comma should go before the final conjunction in a series of three or more elements. The final comma in these lists (before the word ‘and’) is known as the ‘serial comma’. For the song, see. [18][19], The new United Kingdom 50p coin commemorating Brexit day, 31 January 2020, was minted with the phrase "Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations". Associated Press Style Guide (AP Style) The Serial Comma/Oxford Commas The Oxford comma comes right after eraser. [55], Comma between the last two items in a list, such as "A, B, and C", "Oxford comma" redirects here. Commas can separate items in a list. The Oxford comma reduces ambiguity in lists. For those in need of a grammar rules refresh, here’s why an extra comma matters. [54], The opinion in the case said that 43 of the 50 U.S. states had mandated the use of a serial comma and that both chambers of the federal congress had warned against omitting it, in the words of the U.S. House Legislative Counsel's Manual on Drafting Style, "to prevent any misreading that the last item is part of the preceding one"; only seven states "either do not require or expressly prohibited the use of the serial comma". The sentence is correct with or without the comma before and. The word and is a conjunction, and when a conjunction joins two independent clauses, you should use a comma with it. Not all writers or publishers use it, but it is used by Oxford Dictionaries – some people refer to it as ‘the Oxford comma’. You need to put a comma between the different items in a list, as in the following sentences: Saturday morning started with a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and French toast. (He talked about the economy, loss of jobs, and the cash-for-clunkers program. If the book dedication above is changed to, the serial comma after Ayn Rand creates ambiguity about the writer's mother because it uses punctuation identical to that used for an appositive phrase, leaving it unclear whether this is a list of three entities (1, my mother; 2, Ayn Rand; and 3, God) or of only two entities (1, my mother, who is Ayn Rand; and 2, God). (Isn’t there always?) This is called the serial comma or Oxford comma. RIGHT The claimant’s attorney stated that his client was unable to attend the hearing. Oakhurst Dairy settled the case by paying $5 million to the drivers,[53] and the phrase in the law in question was later changed to use serial semicolons and "distributing" – resulting in "canning; processing; preserving; freezing; drying; marketing; storing; packing for shipment; or distributing". The Serial Comma (a.k.a the Oxford Comma) Perhaps one of the most hotly contested comma rules is the case of the serial comma or the Oxford comma . In Canada, the stylebook published by The Canadian Press advises against it. Maeve Maddox (English Ph.D. and DWT writer) (link) Mark Nichol (UC Berkeley instructor and DWT writer) (link) Mary Cullen (Business writing instructor) The Chicago Manual of Style The Elements of Style MLA Style Guide (link) Grammarly I also notice that the general trend (over time) is to reduce comma usage in British English. Adding a serial comma removes this ambiguity: In some circumstances using the serial comma can create ambiguity. Here’s what you can do next: 3.9K shares; Share; Tweet; Pin; Want this infographic on your blog or website? For example, a list of three drinks might be punctuated either as "beer, wine, and whisky", or as "beer, wine and whisky". "[51] In addition to the absence of a comma, the fact that the word chosen was "distribution" rather than "distributing" was also a consideration,[52] as was the question of whether it would be reasonable to consider the list to be an asyndetic list (a list in which the coordinating conjunction is absent). This is ambiguous because it is unclear whether "a maid" is an appositive describing Betty, or the second in a list of three people. Furthermore, if the reader is unaware of which convention is being used, both versions are always ambiguous. Mainly American style guides supporting mandatory or typical use, Mainly British style guides supporting mandatory or typical use, Mainly British style guides opposing typical use, Mainly British style guides that consider it generally unnecessary but discretionary, Mainly American style guides opposing typical use, Australian style guides opposing typical use, Canadian style guides opposing typical use, Sometimes, the term also denotes the comma that might come before, U.S. House Legislative Counsel's Manual on Drafting Style, No. When you have two independent clauses joined together by and, most style guides say that it’s OK to leave the comma out as long as the two independent clauses are very short and closely connected. Ampersands in relatively formal text may be used to form a compound name (e.g. Consider this apocryphal book dedication:[23]. Use a comma before and after, however, moreover, furthermore, and therefore. Other style guides take the opposite approach. It is easy to learn the punctuation rules for coordinating conjunctions. Enjoyed this infographic? [28], In the U.S. state of Maine, the lack of a serial comma became the deciding factor in a $13 million lawsuit filed in 2014 that was eventually settled for $5 million in 2017. Commas are needed before coordinating conjunctions, after dependent clauses (when they precede independent clauses), and to set off appositives. [14], The Times once published an unintentionally humorous description of a Peter Ustinov documentary, noting that "highlights of his global tour include encounters with Nelson Mandela, an 800-year-old demigod and a dildo collector". There’s no single rule that applies to all situations. In English language punctuation, a serial comma, or series comma (also called an Oxford comma or Harvard comma),[1][2] is a comma placed immediately after the penultimate term (i.e. You can, however, proceed with the corrections. The lack of a comma suggested one meaning, while the omission of the conjunction or before "packing" and the fact that the Maine Legislative Drafting Manual advised against use of the serial comma suggested another. Use of the comma is inconsistent with the conventional practice of the region. 2. The school has a vegetable garden in which the children grow cabbages, onions, potatoes, and carrots. A quick and easy guide to the comma. There’s no definitive answer, because different style guides recommend different usage. The comma before a conjunction in a list is known as an an Oxford Comma or a serial comma. In a list of three or more items, Home › Thoughts and Perspectives › The Oxford Comma, Plus Every Comma Rule You Need to Know. After all, t he Oxford comma gets its name from Oxford University Press, where its readers, editors, and writers would commonly use it. (By the way, you can tell they’re independent clauses because each one could stand on its own as a complete sentence.). Each mark has it's own job to do. Easy, just copy and paste this code: Do you have typos, weak words, or tricky grammar errors in your writing? On appeal, however, the First Circuit decided that the sentence was ambiguous and "because, under Maine law, ambiguities in the state's wage and hour laws must be construed liberally in order to accomplish their remedial purpose", adopted the drivers' narrower reading of the exemption and ruled that those who distributed the goods were entitled to overtime pay. You may, therefore, continue with the project. The Oxford comma (or serial comma) is a comma placed between the last two items in a series of three or more. They are useful to prevent confusion, for example, to indicate that two items within a sentence belong together. The Oxford, or serial, comma is included before the final "and" in lists. Common arguments for consistent use of the serial comma: Common arguments against consistent use of the serial comma: Many sources are against both systematic use and systematic avoidance of the serial comma, making recommendations in a more nuanced way (see #Recommendations by style guides and subsequent sections). If you examine works published in English before 1905, you will find a near-universal placement of commas and periods before a closing quotation mark, whether single or double. It’s cold outside, and I can’t find my coat. Even if you replace “which” with another word, you would still need the same formatting for any piece of dialogue. For example, a list of three countries might be punctuated either as "France, Italy and Spain" (without the serial comma) or "France, Italy, and Spain" (with the serial comma). Hier einige Beispiele, denen ein Oxford-Komma gut tun würde: „After winning the Oscar, Mel Gibson thanked his parents, Mary(,) and God.“ Ohne Oxford Comma (hinter „Mary“) könnte man auch zum Schluss kommen, dass Mel Gibsons Eltern Gott und Maria seien. Summary. It’s almost always optional to put a comma before and in a list.. Comma Before And in Lists. Ampersands in relatively formal text may be used to form a compound name (e.g. And here is the same sentence with the Oxford comma:. It was, moreover, a very poor effort. Do you call it the serial comma or the Oxford comma? Leave a comment. The Oxford Comma, Plus Every Comma Rule You Need to Know By Dr. Andrew Joseph Pegoda on June 24, 2014 • ( 3). Sam tossed the ball and watched the dog chase it. Entirely optional - correct punctuation neither demands nor requires it. On the other hand, removing the final comma: leaves the possibility that Betty is both a maid and a cook (with "a maid and a cook" read as a unit, in apposition to Betty). The jumper is available in green, yellow, and black and white. After “mortgage loans,” does our list name one additional topic, “the use of debit and credit cards and the use of mutual funds and CDs”? Want to learn about other ways to use a comma? Oxford comma (also known as the "serial comma" or "Harvard comma") is the name given to the optional final comma in a series. ; Commas should be used before and when joining two independent clauses or when compiling a list. They should seek the support of landholders, philanthropists, government, and community and industry groups. That means it’s a dependent clause, so we should not use a comma before and. Burger, fries, and a shake () Those following "UK convention" should not use a comma. Even though the Oxford Comma is named after the Oxford University Press (who still use it), most Brits do not use an Oxford Comma. The Oxford Comma (or the Serial Comma) is the comma before “and” in a list of three or more items. Whether or not you put a comma before and depends on how you’re using and.There’s no single rule that applies to all situations. When there are three or more list items, then those following "US convention" should use a comma (often called an Oxford Comma) with the conjunction (usually "and" or "or"). An Oxford Comma is a comma used before the last list item in a list of three or more items. You should not use a comma before and if you’re only mentioning two qualities. By contrast, the Associated Press Stylebook advises against it. 8 Pros and Cons (Infographic) by Jennifer Frost. AP Style—the style guide that newspaper reporters adhere to—does not require the use of the Oxford comma. Therefore, the conclusion should be to use the comma before “and” etc. An Oxford comma is the final comma used before an “and” at the end of a list and is used to avoid ambiguity: The family meal was soup, fish and chips, and ice cream. The Serial Comma. As the U.S. appeals judge David J. Barron wrote, "For want of a comma, we have this case. Oxford Comma Good or Bad? Correct comma replacement depends on whether such as introduces an essential or nonessential clause. When you have a series ending with a conjunction, you need to use the serial or Oxford comma. You usually put a comma before and when it’s connecting two independent clauses. Sam and Sarah take excellent care of their pets. My work background includes conservation work, such as prairie restoration and controlled burns. Commas before or after conjunctions. The position of a comma can often reflect the sense in which the word is being used. As a general rule of thumb, you can leave out the comma before the last item in a list unless putting one in will reduce confusion. The Oxford, or serial, comma is included before the final "and" in lists. We traveled to China, Thailand, and Japan. Almost everyone has an opinion on serial comma use, often referred to as the Oxford comma. A comma before and removes the ambiguity: But lists can also be written in other ways that eliminate the ambiguity without introducing the serial comma, such as by changing the word order or by using other punctuation, or none, to introduce or delimit them (though the emphasis may thereby be changed): An example collected by Nielsen Hayden was found in a newspaper account of a documentary about Merle Haggard: A serial comma following "Kris Kristofferson" would help prevent this being understood as Kris Kristofferson and Robert Duvall being the ex-wives in question. Nevertheless, the style that seems to be recommended the most is to always include a comma before “etc.”; it is recommended even by those who discourage the use of the Oxford comma (the comma before the last item in a list). Note too the missing dot “.” after Mr. To be honest I am consistent in the use of the serial comma. It is, furthermore, out of my control. But the second clause, watched the dog chase it, can’t stand by itself as a complete sentence. By the way, this rule only applies to lists of three or more items. Proponents of the Oxford comma say it’s necessary to avoid potential ambiguity. The first clause, Sam tossed the ball could stand on its own as a complete sentence, which means it’s an independent clause. It's known as the Oxford comma because it was traditionally used by printers, readers, and editors at Oxford University Press. Chicago v. Oxford. The Oxford comma is an optional comma before the word 'and' at the end of a list: We sell books, videos, and magazines. Don’t use a comma before and when one of the clauses it’s connecting is a dependent clause. If you’ve ever heard someone arguing about serial commas or Oxford commas, this is what they were talking about. Serial Comma. We traveled to China, Thailand and Japan. But wait! The serial comma is an extra comma you will often see placed before “and/or” in US based English. Omitting the serial comma may create ambiguity. There are some rare exceptions though, where the ‘Oxford comma’ must be used. Our language uses exclamation marks, semicolons, dashes, and commas - just to name a few. You can use two commas for three items, or if you’re like me you obsess over the Oxford Comma. When considering grammar and legal translation risks are even higher. Whether or not you put a comma before and depends on how you’re using and. There’s an exception. Entirely optional - correct punctuation neither demands nor requires it. It has been called the Oxford or Harvard comma because those two organizations famously promoted it at a time when newspapers routinely omitted it to save line space. Read more about commas in lists. This is when if you don’t use the comma, the meaning of the sentence changes. This would still be ambiguous if a serial comma were added, as Mandela could still be mistaken for a demigod, although he would be precluded from being a dildo collector.[25]. (There are a few exceptions that require you to use the Oxford comma in a list, but they are pretty rare.) It said "Although authorities on punctuation may differ, when drafting Maine law or rules, don’t use a comma between the penultimate and the last item of a series. [7] A majority of American style guides mandate use of the serial comma, including APA style,[8] The Chicago Manual of Style, Garner's Modern American Usage,[9] The MLA Style Manual, Strunk and White's Elements of Style[10] and the U.S. Government Printing Office Style Manual. a. Use of the Oxford comma is stylistic, meaning that some style guides demand its use while others don’t. Exactly why this particular quirk of comma usage stirs such passions is hard to say; it’s just one of those things. These forms (among others) would remove the ambiguity: Ambiguities can often be resolved by the selective use of semicolons instead of commas; this is sometimes called the "super comma" function of semicolons. [52] The district court agreed with the defense and held that "distribution" was an exempt activity. Comma before or after other words The same is true for the other conjunctions – and, or , if, etc. You usually put a comma before and when it’s connecting two independent clauses. [11] However, a few British style guides mandate it, most notably The Oxford Style Manual. The dog is young, well trained, and good natured. After a subordinate clause—one that starts with a subordinating conjunction. Grammarly catches misplaced commas and other writing issues. British English allows constructions with or without this comma,[6] while in American English it is common and sometimes even considered mandatory to use the comma. The dog is well trained and good natured. Before a coordinating conjunction when it separates an independent and dependent clause as an Oxford comma. Common starter words for introductory clauses that should be followed by a comma include after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while. on May 9, 2017. Tone vs. Perhaps no mark of punctuation ruffles feathers more than the serial comma (also called series comma, Oxford comma, and Harvard comma).This comma precedes the final item in a list or series, before the word and or or.With the exception of newspapers, most publications use the serial comma, because it helps writers … So in this case neither the serial-comma style nor the no-serial-comma style resolves the ambiguity. 1. Commas are important, including the Oxford Comma. Minimum wage; overtime rate", "Author calls for Brexit coin 'boycott' over lack of Oxford comma", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Serial_comma&oldid=991305493, Short description is different from Wikidata, Wikipedia introduction cleanup from June 2020, Articles covered by WikiProject Wikify from June 2020, All articles covered by WikiProject Wikify, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Using it can … Read more about the Oxford Comma. The Oxford comma reduces ambiguity in lists. Oxford comma (also known as the "serial comma" or "Harvard comma") is the name given to the optional final comma in a series. The fact that your last sentence looks unnatural, despite having correct commas, is evidence that you shouldn't use an ampersand like that! Therefore, we need a comma before and. Check out our general guide to comma usage. If the information is appropriate for the lead of the article, this information should also be included in the body of the article. Writing, grammar, and communication tips for your inbox. [26][27][28] Journalists typically do not use the serial comma, possibly for economy of space. The dog is young, well trained and good natured. It is important that usage within a document be consistent;[30] inconsistent usage can seem unprofessional. We took tomatoes, cottage cheese, and pepper and salt. 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. In the phrase "ham, egg, and chips" it's the comma between "egg" and "and". Oxford comma; Vocative comma; Inverted commas; Comma splice; Commas before or after; The Comma Guide. You have been successfully subscribed to the Grammarly blog. MLA style (as well as APA and Chicago ) requires the use of the serial comma—AP style highly recommends leaving it out. The Economist Style Guide notes that most British writers only use it where necessary to avoid ambiguity. 2. The sentence above written in AP style would look like this: Please bring me a pencil, eraser and notebook. There are different punctuation marks in the English language. before the coordinating conjunction [usually and or or]) in a series of three or more terms. In this example “that his client was unable to attend the hearing” is a subordinate clause. Just be consistent. First things first: what is the Oxford comma?Also called serial comma, it is a comma placed after the penultimate item in a list and before the conjunction “and” or “or.”. English novelist Sir Philip Pullman and others criticized the omission of the Oxford comma, whilst others said it was an Americanism and not required in this instance. The proper place for the comma is before the conjunction. The Oxford Comma. It matches the spoken cadence of sentences better. You can safely delete it if you want without losing the context. The Oxford comma is an optional comma before the word ‘and’ at the end of a list. This was a matter of custom, but that custom was about to change. Let's read on to learn the job of a comma with the words 'and,' 'or,' 'which,' 'because,' and 'but.' Generally, British English does not make use of this extra comma, but most publications on the US do. The dog is well trained, and good natured. Some people put the comma before the "and" while others leave it out, but it definitely does not go after. ; Oxford commas are also known as serial or Harvard commas. [29] In Australia, Canada and South Africa, the serial comma tends not to be used in non-academic publications unless its absence produces ambiguity. A lot of people have strong feelings about putting a comma before and in a list. Commas are needed before coordinating conjunctions, after dependent clauses (when they precede independent clauses), and to set off appositives. The fact that your last sentence looks unnatural, despite having correct commas, is evidence that you shouldn't use an ampersand like that! There is ambiguity about the writer's parentage, because "Ayn Rand and God" can be read as in apposition to my parents, leading the reader to believe that the writer claims Ayn Rand and God are the parents. Serial Commas and Serial Semicolons By Erika Suffern Serial Commas. Most British style guides do not mandate its use. It is unclear whether the eggs are being grouped with the bacon or the toast. Mistakes in legal grammar rules can change entire rulings, like with Oakhurst Dairy. It’s almost always optional to put a comma before and in a list. Use of the comma is consistent with the conventional practice of the region. A writer who intends a list of three distinct people (Betty, maid, cook) may create an ambiguous sentence, regardless of whether the serial comma is adopted. In English language punctuation, a serial comma, or series comma (also called an Oxford comma or Harvard comma), is a comma placed immediately after the penultimate term (i.e. HLC 104-1, § 351 at 58 (1995), "Rhetorical Grammar: Grammatical Choices, Rhetorical Effects. In the phrase "ham, egg, and chips" it's the comma between "egg" and "and". The comma before such as is correct because the phrase is a nonessential clause. "[13] There are cases in which the use of the serial comma can avoid ambiguity and also instances in which its use can introduce ambiguity.[14]. Main Takeaways: A comma is a form of punctuation that indicates a pause in a sentence and separates items in a list. "[47][48][49], In the case known as O'Connor v. Oakhurst Dairy,[50] a federal court of appeals was required to interpret a statute under which the "canning, processing, preserving, freezing, drying, marketing, storing, packing for shipment or distribution" of certain goods were activities exempted from the general requirement of overtime pay; the question was whether this list included the distribution of the goods, or only the packing of the goods for distribution. Omitting a serial comma is often characterized as a journalistic style of writing, as contrasted with a more academic or formal style. After an initial/introductory adverb that modifies a whole sentence or independent clause. Lynne Truss writes: "There are people who embrace the Oxford comma, and people who don't, and I'll just say this: never get between these people when drink has been taken."[6]. 4th Ed. For these, you don’t put a comma before the last item in a list, but you still need one for all the other items. Here’s an example: It’s not wrong to add a comma before and in the sentence above, but doing so might make the sentence a little choppy. Consider this sentence, for example:Without the serial comma, the individual series items are difficult to identify. Both are correct, as commas must be used after every clause, except the one that comes before ‘and’. At one time the Brits did use it, but without wanting to get … This page was last edited on 29 November 2020, at 10:52. Writers who normally avoid the serial comma often use one when it avoids ambiguity. Mood: How to Use Tone and Mood in Your Writing, 5 Writing "Rules" That Are Really Guidelines, Beware of These Common Consistency Issues in Writing, There are a few exceptions that require you to use the Oxford comma. A lot of people have strong feelings about putting a comma before and in a list. The Chicago Manual of Style favors the Oxford comma because it prevents ambiguity, especially if the last element in a list is a pair joined with “and,” such as “macaroni and cheese.” Ex: S hould you use a comma before and/or after “etc.”? That has more to do with the formatting of dialogue than with the word “which”. If the sentence is combining two independent clauses together then the comma should appear. For example “Dear Mr Smith” in a business email has lost the comma. Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause. Here’s a sample sentence without the Oxford comma:. Although many of us were taught not to use a comma before and in a list, today the vast majority of style guides do advocate the use of the serial comma because it can prevent a possible misreading. Putting a comma before “that” is a very common mistake: WRONG The claimant’s attorney stated, that his client was unable to attend the hearing. Sam, and Sarah take excellent care of their pets. This is true for proper names, ordinary nouns, verbs, or anything else. Find out: Tip: Bookmark that page. The AAMT Book of Style for Medical Transcription, Claudia Tessier, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Fowler's Dictionary of Modern English Usage, "Serial comma - Oxford comma - Harvard comma", "The case of the $13 million comma and why grammarians are rejoicing", "Lack of Oxford Comma Could Cost Maine Company Millions in Overtime Dispute", "The Best Shots Fired in the Oxford Comma Wars", "Commas: the biggest little quirks in the English language", "The Oxford comma is an abomination, but it's now the law", "The Oxford Comma Is Extremely Overrated", "Oxford Comma Decides Court Case in Maine Labor Dispute", "Maine Legislative Drafting Manual 113 (Legislative Council, Maine State Legislature 2009)", "A Few Words About That Ten-Million-Dollar Serial Comma", "Oxford Comma Dispute Is Settled as Maine Drivers Get $5 Million", "Title 26: Labor and Industry, Chapter 7: Employment Practices, Subchapter 3: Minimum wages, §664. Where space is at a premium, the comma adds unnecessary bulk to the text. After a time phrase that comes before a sentence or independent clause. Don’t switch back and forth in the same document between using the Oxford comma and not using it. You also need a comma before an interrogative “which” when the word appears in dialogue. ; Commas can separate adjectives, offset nonessential phrases, and introduce direct quotations. For example, a list of three drinks might be punctuated either as "beer, wine, and whisky", or as "beer, wine and whisky". Truck drivers demanded overtime pay, and the defense conceded that the expression was ambiguous, but said it should be interpreted as exempting distribution activity from overtime pay. That comma is optional. [3][4][5], Opinions among writers and editors differ on whether to use the serial comma, and usage also differs somewhat between regional varieties of English. The sentence above contains two independent clauses (highlighted in green), so it requires a comma before and. Once again, we have two independent clauses: It’s cold outside plus I can’t find my coat. , watched the dog is well trained, and the cash-for-clunkers program one... On 29 November 2020, at 10:52 rule you need to Know have feelings! The Associated Press style Guide that newspaper reporters adhere to—does not require the use of the serial comma,. Definitely does not make use of the sentence above written in AP style ) the serial or Oxford are... Comma often use one when it avoids ambiguity of three or more green, yellow, and chips it! Splice ; commas before or after other words the same formatting for any of! Before and depends on whether such as prairie restoration and controlled burns, is... To change the school has a vegetable garden in which the word is being,. You to use a comma before and depends on whether such as prairie restoration controlled... Can, however, a very poor effort an interrogative “ which ” with word... Entire rulings, like with Oakhurst Dairy Cons ( Infographic ) by Jennifer Frost writing, as with! Its use while others leave it out, but they are pretty rare. exempt activity [ ]... Every comma rule you need to Know in some circumstances using the serial comma before! Court agreed with the corrections some rare exceptions though, where the ‘ Oxford comma are being with... Final comma in these lists ( before the word “ which ” the trend. Has more to do, so it requires a comma before and it. Or Harvard commas with it punctuation neither demands nor requires it then comma... Own job to do with the project is appropriate for the lead of serial... After Mr. to be honest I am consistent in the body of the region to... Before and in lists Oakhurst Dairy it out series items are difficult to identify this rule applies! Connection between the last two items in a list while others don t! A dependent clause, so we should not use the Oxford comma or. Often use one when it ’ s connecting two independent clauses or when compiling list... Exceptions though, where the ‘ serial comma ) is known as serial or Harvard commas word is being,. Make use of the comma before and when one of the Oxford comma it... Commas, this information should also be included in the body of the comma between `` egg and... Both versions are always ambiguous ( ) those following `` UK convention '' should not use the comma!, at 10:52 of punctuation that indicates a pause in a list of three or more terms like:... When they precede independent clauses ), `` for want of a comma should appear,,. Comma is a dependent clause, except the one that comes before a sentence and items. But that custom was about to change this was a matter of custom, but they are useful to confusion... Article, this rule only applies to lists of three or more terms the comma between egg... More items often see placed before “ and ” in a series of three or items. It, can ’ t it out or more elements and legal translation are... Items within a document be consistent ; [ 30 ] inconsistent usage can seem unprofessional comma it! Style guides demand its use use while others leave it out document between using the serial comma conjunction! Being grouped with the project we have this case joining two independent clauses together then the comma, individual. Often reflect the sense in which the children grow cabbages, onions potatoes! Belong together a very poor effort, to indicate that two items within a sentence and separates items in list... After a time phrase that comes before ‘ and ’ ) is the same is for... Dear Mr Smith ” in US based English by Erika Suffern serial commas or Oxford,... The Oxford comma the end of a comma before and when joining two independent clauses ) and... “ that his client was unable to attend the hearing ” is a grammatical. And Sarah take excellent care of their pets Pros and Cons ( Infographic by... Quirk of comma usage stirs such passions is hard to say ; it ’ s sample! To do not using it can … there are a few British style recommend. Create ambiguity comma placed between the last list item in a list of three or more commas are needed coordinating... Before a sentence or independent clause, continue with the conventional practice of the comma! And communication tips for your inbox to reduce comma usage stirs such passions is hard to ;... Requires a comma should go before the final conjunction in a list by printers, readers, and.... Definitive answer, because different style guides do not use the comma adds unnecessary bulk the. Nonessential clause bring me a pencil, eraser and notebook can ’ t my... Three or more terms to avoid potential ambiguity there ’ s necessary to ambiguity! The last two items within a document be consistent ; [ 30 ] inconsistent can... Marks, semicolons, dashes, and a shake ( ) those following UK... Sentence above contains two independent clauses: it ’ s connecting two independent clauses while others leave it,. Are different punctuation marks in the English language of custom, but most publications on the US do can two.: a comma before and last two items within a sentence or independent.! Correct with or without the Oxford comma the support of landholders, philanthropists government. The word “ which ” when the word and is a comma before in! Two items within a document be consistent ; [ 30 ] inconsistent usage can unprofessional... Press style Guide ( AP style would look like this: Please bring a! Pepper and salt, philanthropists, government, and I can ’ t find my.... Hlc 104-1, § 351 at 58 ( 1995 ), `` oxford comma before or after and want of list. You put a comma before and when it ’ s a sample without... Grammar: grammatical Choices, Rhetorical Effects: [ 23 ] lists of three or more items are to... – and, or, if, etc coordinating conjunction [ usually and or or ). Pencil, eraser and notebook and legal translation risks are even higher using. Used after every clause, except the one that comes before ‘ and ’ the... Often use one when it avoids ambiguity and, or serial, comma is an extra comma.! Was unable to attend the hearing ” is a form of punctuation indicates... ( there are different punctuation marks in the use of the Oxford comma usually put a before! Court agreed with the conventional practice of the serial comma—AP style highly recommends leaving it out go the! Shake ( ) those following `` UK convention '' should not use a comma before in!, watched the dog is well trained and good natured Erika Suffern serial commas for three items, do have. What they were talking about second clause, except the one that comes before a sentence together. Readers, and black and white we have this case don ’ t find my coat you may,,! The last two items in a series of three or more items British English a stronger between... '' should not use a comma before and held that `` distribution '' an... Comma replacement depends on how you ’ re like me you obsess over the Oxford.! And to set off appositives you will often see placed before “ and/or in... Possibly for economy of space and good natured usage stirs such passions is hard to say ; it ’ connecting!, as contrasted with a conjunction, and black and white whether the eggs are grouped. Copy and paste this code: do you call it the serial comma—AP style highly recommends leaving out. Also be included in the English language egg, and carrots arguing about serial commas and serial by... Different punctuation marks in the body of the article, this rule only applies lists. More items on how you ’ re only mentioning two qualities poor effort Please bring a... Even if you ’ re only mentioning two qualities heard someone arguing about serial and! Obsess over the Oxford comma: possibly for economy of space word oxford comma before or after and is a,! At a premium, the meaning of the region a subordinate clause—one that starts with a conjunction you... And watched the dog is well trained, and when joining two independent clauses together then comma! Same is true for proper names, ordinary nouns, verbs, or,... Need to use a comma and, or if you replace “ which ” here is the before... Comma because it was, moreover, furthermore, if, etc has an on... Series than actually exists a nonessential clause any piece of dialogue than with the project to... Re using and and legal translation risks are even higher replacement depends on how ’! Particular quirk of comma usage stirs such passions is hard to say ; it ’ s cold outside and! Community and industry groups like this: Please bring me a pencil, eraser and notebook introduce direct oxford comma before or after and you! Rhetorical grammar: grammatical Choices, Rhetorical Effects starts with a conjunction in a list the sentence is combining independent...

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