Commas within a list.

Question

Why does my teacher insist on what he calls the Oxford comma / serial comma?

Answer 1

Oxford, or serial, comma usage is largely a matter of style preference and is often omitted when not necessary. However, the Oxford comma can serve a valuable clarifying purpose in specific use cases and prevent unintended interpretations of a sentence. For example, this sentence can have two very different meanings, depending on the inclusion of the comma: "I love my parents, Betty White, and Paul McCartney." vs. "I love my parents, Betty White and Paul McCartney." The first sentence lists three separate sets of people that the writer loves. The second sentence only lists the writers parents, Betty White and Paul McCartney.

Answer 2

I agree with what the other tutors have said. While the use of the Oxford comma is technically a style choice, using the Oxford comma helps make a sentence more clear to your reader.

A great example that I like to use actually came from a Tumblr user (@shortee) meme. The example reads:

"Why I Still Use the Oxford Comma

With: I had eggs, toast, and orange juice.

Without: I had eggs, toast and orange juice."

The first sounds like a list of three items, while the second sounds like you are telling Toast and Orange Juice that you had eggs.

Link for meme reference: https://external-preview.redd.it/JLJvIn1VT40H7LbTgpEHVJ1TYIWBltjYa0xJSUq9FeU.jpg?auto=webp&s=2a7abf5c7e020e26d2aa8ffb434e96e39e30bc41

Answer 3

The Oxford comma is a stylistic choice and whether it's commonly used depends on where you live and which style manual you follow. Is the comma necessary for clarity? That varies depending on context. In introductory writing, it's easier for a teacher to insist on the Oxford comma so that students don't need to go beyond the rule and dig deeper into the principles behind it. Also, post-secondary education in the United States often requires it (MLA, APA, etc.). Is omitting the Oxford comma sometimes more elegant and just as clear when used by professional writers? Yes (it's standard journalistic style). These writers will restructure sentences so that the Oxford isn't necessary. Is it more practical not to consider the option? Probably. In either case, consistency within a document is advisable.

Answer 4

The reason for the serial or Oxford comma is clear writing and precision understanding. It means that you should use a comma after every item on a list-- except the final one, where you usually need a period. Read the sentence for logic; that will help you decide.

Example:

Joanna went to the store to buy us chicken, eggplant, ham, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

If there were no comma after the word ham? The reader would stumble: Did Joanna buy a ham and peanut butter and jelly sandwich? She did not.