Commas are a common punctuation mark, used to add pauses or separations to sentences. As you can see, we just used one! Commas allow the reader to separate thoughts, and thus, understand a sentence better. Sometimes, commas can be used to separate items in a list. This is where the storied “Oxford comma” comes in. So, what is the Oxford comma, when do you use it, and how? (After you’ll read this, you’ll see how we just used one!).
What is an Oxford comma
First, let’s define the Oxford comma
The Oxford comma, which is sometimes known as a “serial comma,” can cause some debate! What is the Oxford comma, and what does it do? When do you use one, versus when do you not? This little punctuation mark may sound complicated, but it’s really a simple concept.
OXFORD COMMA DEFINITION
What is an Oxford comma?
The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of three or more items. It is placed immediately before the conjunction (words like "and" and “or”) in the list. Its purpose is to create a pause in the sentence so that the reader can understand that each item on the list is separate.
To better understand how an Oxford comma works and Oxford comma rules, here are some examples used in sentences, which show you how to use a comma with the word “and” or “or.”
Oxford Comma examples:
- I went to the store for an apple, an orange, and a banana.
- My favorite singer is Beyonce, Cher, or Britney Spears.
- I love to eat chocolate morning, noon, and night.
Is the Oxford comma necessary
Why use an Oxford comma
Is the Oxford comma really necessary? Many people would say yes, but there’s no universally accepted rule. It ultimately boils down to preference. Oxford commas are a common way to separate items in a list, and many people advocate using them to help avoid confusion about the meaning of a sentence. Without an Oxford comma, sentences can sometimes be confusing, as items in the list can seem like they are together, and not separate.
For example, take the sentence: “My favorite people in the world are my parents, Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks.” This sentence might imply that the writer’s parents are Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks, when what it really meant was that those two actors are some of their favorite people. Adding an Oxford comma could help provide clarity here.
Why Oxford commas can help your sentence clarity
One way people decide whether or not to use an Oxford comma is to follow a style guide. Style guides are common in the publishing and media industries. They’re a set of universal rules that employees use for writing and design, which allow for consistency among all writers. Style Guides provide guidelines on grammar, punctuation, and formatting. There are several common style guides, including the Associate Press (or AP) Style Guide, the MLA Style Manual, and the Chicago Manual of Style.
Did You Know?
The Oxford comma got its name from the Oxford University Press. The publisher used it in their style guides for writers, most famously in one called Hart's Rules for Compositors and Readers. Sometimes the comma is known as the serial comma or, less frequently, the Harvard comma.
Some publications create and use their own style guides. For example, The New York Times uses its own, internally-developed style guide called The New York Times Manual of Style and Usage.
When it comes to Oxford commas, the MLA and Chicago style guides encourage the use of it, but the AP Style Guide discourages it. Following a style guide can help you decide if the Oxford comma is right for you.
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Other grammar tricks and tips
Oxford commas can be a useful grammar tool to help your writing seem clearer. But Oxford commas aren’t the only way that people improve the clarity of their writing. There are other grammar tricks and tips, like how to use compound-complex sentences. Read on to learn how to incorporate this into your own writing.
