Why is the Oxford comma 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.

Are Oxford commas grammatically correct?

An Oxford, or serial, comma is the last comma in a list; it goes before the word “and.” Technically, it’s grammatically optional in American English. However, depending on the list you are writing out, omitting it can lead to some confusion.

What is the big deal about the Oxford comma?

Also known as the serial comma, the Oxford comma is the one that goes before “and” (or “or”) in a list of three or more things: “The American flag is red, white, and blue.” Fans of the Oxford comma think it prevents ambiguity.

What is the difference between an Oxford comma and a regular comma?

What is the Difference Between an Oxford Comma and a Regular Comma? Technically, the Oxford comma is no different since it’s still a comma. However, unlike the regular comma that holds grammatical significance, the use of an Oxford or serial comma is a stylistic choice.

Why the Oxford comma is necessary?

The Oxford comma is the comma placed before the conjunction at the end of a list of things. Proponents of the Oxford comma say it’s necessary for removing ambiguity in sentences. Of course, there are detractors as well, writers who vehemently oppose the use of the Oxford comma, seeing it as superfluous.

Why was the Oxford comma removed?

The University of Oxford styleguide has decided that as ‘a general rule’ use of the serial comma should be avoided. The serial comma, dubbed the Oxford comma because of its use by writers and editors based at the University of Oxford, had been waning in popularity. For example, most journalists in Canada and the U.S.

What happened to the Oxford comma?

Oxford Comma Dropped: University of Oxford Styleguide Says No To Serial Comma. The serial comma, dubbed the Oxford comma because of its use by writers and editors based at the University of Oxford, had been waning in popularity. For example, most journalists in Canada and the U.S.

Why is it called Harvard comma?

Its name comes from the Oxford University Press (OUP), where for over a century it has been standard in the Oxford Style Manual. Sometimes it’s called a ‘serial comma’, and less frequently a ‘Harvard comma’ (from Harvard University Press).

Does the New York Times use Oxford comma?

(In most cases, The Times stylebook discourages the serial comma, often called the Oxford comma because it was traditionally used by the Oxford University Press.) It appears the Maine Legislature has learned its lesson, at least.

Does Cambridge use Oxford comma?

In its own text, the guide by Cambridge omits serial commas; Oxford’s retains them. So for British English, use serial commas or omit them, but do so consistently.

Does AP use Oxford comma?

AP Style—the style guide that newspaper reporters adhere to—does not require the use of the Oxford comma. The sentence above written in AP style would look like this: Please bring me a pencil, eraser and notebook. Here’s a tip: Commas can be tricky, but they don’t have to trip you up.

Who invented the Oxford comma?

The Oxford comma has been attributed to Horace Hart, printer and controller of the Oxford University Press from 1893 to 1915, who wrote Hart’s Rules for Compositors and Readers in 1905 as a style guide for the employees working at the press.