The Oxford Comma

[Sverigesriket]

The oxford comma is a comma used after the penultimate item in a list of three or more items, before "and" or "or". This is to clearly distinguish the items from each other.

For example, the sentence "I'd like to dedicate this book to my parents, John, and Mary" clearly states at least 3 people: the parents (can be more than one, hence "at least"), John, and Mary. If there were no oxford comma, it would be "I'd like to dedicate this book to my parents, John and Mary" which implies that John and Mary are the parents.

There is an NS issue about this. This has been mentioned time and time again in different NSG threads. Let's end this once and for all.

EDIT: To clarify I am in favor of the oxford comma.

[Gopnikea]

If it was used in a sentence like that, the oxford comma would be necessary. But, if the sentence were to be like “I’d like to dedicate this book to John, Mary and my parents.”, the oxford comma can either be put after ‘Mary’ or not put at all.

[Vistulange]

While I can't say something as definitive as "we need it", it's damn useful. I use it all the time, and when reading, it makes it so much more easier to distinguish, lessening confusion.

[Galloism]

Finally, a topic worthy of concern.

The Oxford comma provides clarity when doing groups of items that can be ambiguous. Use the Oxford comma.

[Ethel mermania]

Finally, a topic worthy of concern.

The Oxford comma provides clarity when doing groups of items that can be ambiguous. Use the Oxford comma.

(Image)

Either way, it's going to be a hell of a party.

Comma placement is very important as well. For example.

Help uncle Jack, off the horse.
Or
Help uncle, jack off the horse.

Big difference between the two.

[Zurkerx]

Finally, a topic worthy of concern.

The Oxford comma provides clarity when doing groups of items that can be ambiguous. Use the Oxford comma.

(Image)

As an author, I do agree: it's important.

[The Galactic Liberal Democracy]

Finally, a topic worthy of concern.

The Oxford comma provides clarity when doing groups of items that can be ambiguous. Use the Oxford comma.

(Image)

Delete this. You have caused a great pain to this forum.

I always use the Oxford comma unless I forget to, I'm bothered when it's not used.

[Forsher]

Finally, a topic worthy of concern.

The Oxford comma provides clarity when doing groups of items that can be ambiguous. Use the Oxford comma.

(Image)

So what you're saying is the Oxford comma makes life boring?

I suspect I typically ignore the Oxford comma because, you know, I put commas in with careless abandon. It's more interesting!

[United Massachusetts]

The Associated Press does just fine without the Oxford comma.

[The Two Jerseys]

I always use it.

Finally, a topic worthy of concern.

The Oxford comma provides clarity when doing groups of items that can be ambiguous. Use the Oxford comma.

(Image)

Either way, it's going to be a hell of a party.

Comma placement is very important as well. For example.

Help uncle Jack, off the horse.
Or
Help uncle, jack off the horse.

Big difference between the two.

Unless that is one completely fucked up to do list, a comma isn't even needed there...

[The Galactic Liberal Democracy]

Finally, a topic worthy of concern.

The Oxford comma provides clarity when doing groups of items that can be ambiguous. Use the Oxford comma.

(Image)

Either way, it's going to be a hell of a party.

Comma placement is very important as well. For example.

Help uncle Jack, off the horse.
Or
Help uncle, jack off the horse.

Big difference between the two.

Shouldn't the first be "Help uncle Jack off the horse." ? It is already clear and the comma looks unnecessary. In fact, capitalization seems to be the main problem.

[Marxist Germany]

We do

[The New California Republic]

I use the Oxford comma whenever I think it'll avoid confusion.

[Greed and Death]

If the context makes the meaning clear which it does 90% of the time then the oxford is optional. News papers for instance leave off the Oxford, unless the context is ambiguous, to save space. Language is not nor has it ever been a set of rules.

[Little St Nick]

In Maine, it's a $5 million dollar question, which remains unanswered.

[Nuroblav]

Finally, a topic worthy of concern.

The Oxford comma provides clarity when doing groups of items that can be ambiguous. Use the Oxford comma.

(Image)

Heheheheheheheh

Another good example is 'I like cooking, my family, and pets.'

If I read that someone 'liked cooking their family and pets' I'd be a bit worried to say the least.

[Necroghastia]

In addition to all the previously-mentioned reasons to use the Oxford comma, there's also the fact that it just makes things flow better. Commas typically denote a slight pause in speech, and sentences have a better rhythm as "X, Y, and Z" as opposed to "X, Y and Z."

[Page]

Using the Oxford comma makes the meaning of the words 100% clear while not using it leaves it ambiguous. There is no downside to the Oxford comma, therefore it should always be used.

And to prove my point, google "comma lawsuit" and you'll find the story of how workers successfully sued for millions of dollars in unpaid overtime. The company policy said "Overtime will not be paid for x, y and z". The court ruled that the lack of a comma between y and z meant that overtime was owed to the workers. Which is totally awesome because the workers won, but yeah, use the Oxford comma.

[Dumb Ideologies]

I've always used it because that's what I was taught and the sentence feels wrong without it even if it's not ambiguous.

[Page]

Finally, a topic worthy of concern.

The Oxford comma provides clarity when doing groups of items that can be ambiguous. Use the Oxford comma.

(Image)

Either way, it's going to be a hell of a party.

Comma placement is very important as well. For example.

Help uncle Jack, off the horse.
Or
Help uncle, jack off the horse.

Big difference between the two.

I'm now contemplating how exactly the request made in the second sentence would help Uncle.

[Necroghastia]

Either way, it's going to be a hell of a party.

Comma placement is very important as well. For example.

Help uncle Jack, off the horse.
Or
Help uncle, jack off the horse.

Big difference between the two.

I'm now contemplating how exactly the request made in the second sentence would help Uncle.

I'm assuming that would be for some sort of breeding program. That said, I also don't think the first sentence would need a comma at all...

[Victorious Decepticons]

I absolutely prefer the Oxford comma, and use it unless some paying client explicitly insists on not doing so.

Language is not nor has it ever been a set of rules.

How to Butcher Your Own Writing so it's Ugly and Ungraceful, also known as the AP Stylebook, attempts to disagree. So do those who slavishly insist on writing that follows its ugly dictates. I think both of those have no taste or sense.

Language is about more than raw meaning. It should flow well and be pleasant to read.

[Dumb Ideologies]

Either way, it's going to be a hell of a party.

Comma placement is very important as well. For example.

Help uncle Jack, off the horse.
Or
Help uncle, jack off the horse.

Big difference between the two.

I'm now contemplating how exactly the request made in the second sentence would help Uncle.

He's a busy man with a lot of horseys.

[Greed and Death]

I absolutely prefer the Oxford comma, and use it unless some paying client explicitly insists on not doing so.

Language is not nor has it ever been a set of rules.

How to Butcher Your Own Writing so it's Ugly and Ungraceful, also known as the AP Stylebook, attempts to disagree. So do those who slavishly insist on writing that follows its ugly dictates. I think both of those have no taste or sense.

Language is about more than raw meaning. It should flow well and be pleasant to read.

I am not a fan of the APA either. Generally I find any "rule book" on writing to be more of a series of guide posts rather than rules. In that regard I am a fan of Strunk's writing guide.

[Ethel mermania]

Either way, it's going to be a hell of a party.

Comma placement is very important as well. For example.

Help uncle Jack, off the horse.
Or
Help uncle, jack off the horse.

Big difference between the two.

I'm now contemplating how exactly the request made in the second sentence would help Uncle.

Maybe uncle has Arthritic hands.