In a list of three or more items, the last comma is called the Oxford comma (or the serial comma). For example, in He bought eggs, milk, and bread, there’s a comma between each item listed. The comma before and is the Oxford comma.
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What is an Oxford comma example?
The Oxford comma is the comma placed before the conjunction at the end of a list of things. For example, in “the flag was red, white, and blue”, the Oxford comma would be the one appearing before “and”. Proponents of the Oxford comma say it’s necessary for removing ambiguity in sentences.
How do I know if I have an Oxford comma?
Oxford Comma – check this box to enforce the comma in lists. A missing Oxford Comma will show a red dashed line with the suggestion “A comma before “and” or “or” could make this clearer.”
What is the difference between a comma and an Oxford comma?
The main difference between Oxford comma and comma is that an Oxford comma refers to a comma that usually comes before the final conjunction of a sentence, while a regular comma is a punctuation mark that depicts the divisions in a particular sentence.
What is Oxford comma style?
What Is the Oxford Comma? In a sentence with a list of three or more items, the Oxford comma is the comma you place right before the coordinating conjunction and last item in the list. It is also known as a serial comma, a series comma, or a Harvard comma.
Why is the Oxford comma so controversial?
This practice is controversial and is known as the serial comma or Oxford comma, because it is part of the house style of Oxford University Press.” There are cases in which the use of the serial comma can avoid ambiguity and also instances in which its use can introduce ambiguity.
Is it wrong to use the Oxford comma?
While the Oxford comma is technically grammatically correct, it is most often unnecessary and pointless. Thus, writers and editors should eliminate the comma unless it is absolutely essential for comprehension.
How do I activate the Oxford comma in word?
- Select SPELLING AND GRAMMAR.
- Select GRAMMAR > SETTINGS. Scroll all the way to the bottom and CHECK THE BOX FOR OXFORD COMMA – then click OK. Run SPELLING AND GRAMMAR CHECK as usual. It will find your missing Oxford commas! And you’re welcome!
How many commas do you need for 3 words?
Use a comma after phrases of more than three words that begin a sentence. If the phrase has fewer than three words, the comma is optional. Examples: To apply for this job, you must have previous experience. On February 14 many couples give each other candy or flowers.
What are the different types of commas?
There are four types of comma: the listing comma, the joining comma, the gapping comma and bracketing commas.
What is Oxford comma and why is it used explain with an example?
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.
Is it grammatically correct to put a comma before and?
Whether or not you put a comma before and depends on how you’re using and. There’s no single rule that applies to all situations. You usually put a comma before and when it’s connecting two independent clauses. It’s almost always optional to put a comma before and in a list.
Why did they get rid of Oxford comma?
While some writing style guides do not use the Oxford comma, supporters say it’s necessary to avoid potential ambiguity. And if there’s one thing writers can agree on, it’s the importance of clarity. In some cases, an extra comma matters.
Why does the Oxford comma suck?
Three Reasons to Reject the Oxford Comma
Commas are ugly (they look kind of like sperm). Commas are overused. Commas are really just strange little squigglies. They are distractions from your real purpose: words.
Do Lawyers use the Oxford comma?
Lawyers should use the Oxford comma to help avoid ambiguity. Three ambiguities may arise without this comma: Whether the two final items in a list are one combined element or separate. Whether one noun phrase modifies the others when there are two or more noun phrases next to each other in a list.
Is there a way to check punctuation on Microsoft Word?
Use the spell-check tool to check for correct punctuation in Microsoft Word. Find it by pressing F7 (on Windows), clicking the small book icon along the bottom edge of the screen, or clicking on “Spelling & Grammar” under the Review tab.
How do I get rid of Oxford comma in Word?
Oxford Comma option is OFF by default.
The default setting is ” Don’t check ” or unchecked which is why most people don’t even realize Word can check for Oxford/serial commas. Go to Options | Proofing | Writing Styles and click the Settings button.
What is comma with Adverbials?
Use commas after introductory words
It’s common to use adverbs to start a sentence. Always add a comma after adverbs that end in “ly.” Other introductory words or phrases that require a comma after them include “however,” “on the other hand,” and “furthermore.”
What is it called when there are a lot of commas in a sentence?
Polysyndeton and Asyndeton: Definition and Examples.
How do you know if you’re using too many commas?
Comma misuse is a common occurrence. If a writer leaves out commas, then too much information in the sentence runs together, reducing clarity. If a writer puts in too many commas, then information that should be connected becomes separated, confusing the reader.
How do you not overuse commas?
18.2 Avoiding Unnecessary Commas
- Do not use commas before a conjunction when the sentence is not compound.
- Do not use a comma before the first and after the last word in a series.
- Do not use commas around an appositive if it adds clarity, or new information, to the sentence.