Why don't they use it? Many opponents of the Oxford comma claim that it makes a piece of writing sound more pretentious and stuffy, and that it can make things seem cluttered and redundant. Many magazine publishers renounce its use as well, because sentences loaded with commas take up valuable page space.Jul 13, 2017
Is the Oxford comma pretentious?
The last comma in that sentence above is an Oxford comma, also known as the serial comma or the Harvard comma. Its name is always pretentious, and its purpose is always the same: it comes before the conjunction (in this case, “and”) in a list.
Is the Oxford comma essential or obsolete?
Sometimes, many people argue, the Oxford comma isn't just a stylistic feature, but an essential one, as the meaning of a sentence can be altered without it. It is therefore important for removing potential ambiguity that can spoil the clarity and elegance of your writing.
Does British English use the Oxford comma?
Serial/Oxford Comma Despite being named after a British University, the Oxford comma (the comma used before “and” in lists (e.g., I like wookies, ewoks, and droids)) is not considered standard in UK English because only one style guide (Oxford) recommends it.Oct 29, 2015
Is the Oxford comma more correct?
The use of the Oxford comma is a hotly debated topic among journalists and grammar enthusiasts. The AP Stylebook — the guiding stylebook for many news outlets, including The Daily Tar Heel — advises against using the Oxford comma in most simple series.Feb 25, 2021
Why the Oxford comma is wrong?
Regardless of the order, a proper noun and a common noun would be next to each other in a list, and an Oxford comma would allow readers to mistake one as a clarification of the previous noun. Another reason to skip the Oxford comma is to save time, both for the writer and reader.Feb 28, 2020
Is the Oxford comma correct in British English?
Despite being named after a British University, the Oxford comma (the comma used before “and” in lists (e.g., I like wookies, ewoks, and droids)) is not considered standard in UK English because only one style guide (Oxford) recommends it.Oct 29, 2015
What is the big deal about the Oxford comma?
Proponents say it provides clarity, and critics say it provides redundancy. It goes by “serial” and “Oxford,” for the Oxford University Press style guide, which advocates for the serial comma (even though it's generally more common in American English usage than British English).Mar 22, 2017
When should you not use an Oxford comma?
Just be consistent. Don't switch back and forth in the same document between using the Oxford comma and not using it. By the way, this rule only applies to lists of three or more items. You should not use a comma before and if you're only mentioning two qualities.
Who still uses the Oxford comma?
AP Style writing requires the use of the Oxford Comma. Someone who would typically write in AP style is a newspaper reporter. The Oxford Comma is the final comma in a list of three or more things in a sentence, which goes before the “and” or “or” in a sentence.
What is the Oxford comma rule?
The Oxford (or serial) comma is the final comma in a list of things. For example: Please bring me a pencil, eraser, and notebook. 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.