The serial comma, also called the Oxford comma, is the comma that comes before the final conjunction in a list. I’ve noticed many people use it inconsistently, probably because we’ve been taught different things at different times.
Unlike other punctuation, the Oxford comma stirs up powerful emotions. There are people whose devotion to the Oxford comma runs so deep that they would sell an organ if it meant they could continue to make a small, curved mark before the word "and" for the rest of their lives. These are often people who study typography and collect quirky vintage books titled Home Taxidermy for Pleasure and Profit. If you have recently heard someone extolling the virtues of coffee made with a siphon or of a particular series of Penguin editions, you've met an Oxford comma devotee.
These dedicated souls are fighting a losing battle. Most North American style guides, including the AP guide and the CP guide, advice against using it in most cases.
Here's what the CP stylebook has to say:
Put commas between the elements of a series but NOT before the final and, or or nor.
He was tall, dark and handsome.
He gave her flowers, chocolates and herpes.
DO, however, use a comma after the final and, or or nor in a series if it avoids confusion.
She listened to The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and the Jesus and Mary Chain.
We ordered three pizzas: pepperoni, tomato and cheese, and pepper and mushroom.
Not a big deal, right? And now, a song.
First of all, I make coffee with a siphon every morning or any time you see me sporting that coffee travel mug. It's delicious, old-timey, and makes my coffee-making bow-tie spin with glee. That being said, I do not engage in taxidermy, quirky vintage book collecting, or not using the Oxford comma. It's a beautiful thing that mimics natural pauses in speech that occur when listing things.
ReplyDeleteSince starting the corp comm program I've sadly had to relegate using the Oxford comma to personal usage. I'll employ it throughout my blog entirely dedicated to the listing of things, both related and unrelated, text messages to people where three or more items are listed, or for purely satirical purposes to demonstrate my love of this old stalwart of punctuation.
Now where was I? ...Oh yes... long live the Oxford comma! My memory crapped out for a second there.
ReplyDeleteWith the caveat if using it to avoid confusion you have free rein to use it. Just make sure to through something in your series that includes an and, and viola, we are back in business.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite ice-cream flavours are mint chocolate, cookies and cream, and pistachio.
I guess that works if you write your commas first, then insert the content of your sentence. I tend to think the other way around, but whatever works!
ReplyDelete