Here is an article from FiveThirtyEight regarding the Oxford Comma:
http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/elitist-superfluous-or-popular-we-polled-americans-on-the-oxford-comma/
Check it out and see what you think; leave a comment below to weigh in where you stand.
In my writing, I always use the oxford comma because it was what I was taught to do since 1st grade. I don't think that one way is more correct, people prefer different things. I use it to eliminate confusion while writing, for example the picture above. Also, it depends one what type of writing it is whether it is for a book, journal, or magazine.
ReplyDeleteI always use the Oxford comma for the precise reason stated in the second comic with the rhinoceros, Washington, and Lincoln. It is especially useful when writing thesis statements, as one could say, “Macbeth’s downfall is due to his ambition, pride and insecurity, and paranoia”. In this, pride and insecurity is one section, and, therefore is not separated by a comma. In a long list, when two or more items are grouped together, you shouldn’t separate them with a comma. Using an Oxford comma to help separate items in a long list is vital for the reader’s understanding of a topic. I love the Oxford comma and think it should be used all the time
ReplyDeleteWhen I write, I don't prefer using one way or the other, and I don't think one way is more correct. I often find myself not using the Oxford comma because I find it unnecessary, but I don't mind using either way. I think it depends on the writing situation you're in, or the way the sentence is worded.
ReplyDeleteI favor the Oxford comma because I feel like it separates the three ideas. I am not opposed to sentences used without the oxford comma, but personally I think the sentence is clearer with it because, in examples like the rhinoceros, Washington, and Lincoln, all doubt is eliminated when using it. I agree with Lily that I think it should be used by everyone, but because there is no right or wrong when it comes to this rule, it doesn't bother me when people use it.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI personally use the Oxford comma. However, I am not zealous about it. Ambiguity is one of the beauties of language, and honestly, it is quite fun to hold erudite debates on something as petty as a comma. The Oxford comma doesn’t necessarily lend itself to clarity of a sentence; people can subconsciously extrapolate the meaning of the sentence from the context. It does benefit the sentence aesthetically, as a series of commas is much more visibly appealing that an incomplete two, which triggers my crave for closure. While there is no true need for it, people are perfectly entitled to prefer it. For those who engage in heated comma debates, they must remember that the main purpose of writing and grammar is to clearly state an idea. As the Oxford comma does not detract from this, let it be used based simply on personal preference.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI like the Oxford comma because it emphasizes a pause in writing. I always use it in my writing because the oxford comma makes it a lot easier to convey your ideas in a neater and clearer format, which makes it easier for the reader to understand the sentence.
ReplyDeleteI've always used the Oxford comma. This is because I was taught that way when I first started writing, and also because I agree with what the rhino cartoon is saying. There's no harm in adding an extra comma if it might make the sentence more understandable. Though I do find it pretty funny that its such a heavily debated topic.
ReplyDeleteI personally believe that the Oxford comma is helpful in uncovering the meaning of written statements. As a young student at EA, we were taught to use the Oxford comma due to its uses in removing ambiguity of lists, as the rhino comic is stating. Although I do not furiously object to not having an Oxford comma, I do find it useful.
ReplyDelete