The "Oxford comma" explained

Some grammar rules (and embarrassing mistakes!) transcend the uniqueness of different regions and style guides. This new International Grammar section by OnlineBookClub.org ultimately identifies those rules thus providing a simple, flexible rule-set, respecting the differences between regions and style guides. You can feel free to ask general questions about spelling and grammar. You can also provide example sentences for other members to proofread and inform you of any grammar mistakes.

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Gingerbo0ks
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Re: The "Oxford comma" explained

Post by Gingerbo0ks »

So just to clarify something..We shouldn't be putting the coma before the and? I was given many errors for use of commas but surprisingly was not given an error for a sentence I wrote where I omitted a coma and just put "and".


Is this a UK/USA thing? I would like to think I haven't forgotten how to correctly structure a sentence. However if there is a rule I would like to know so as not to make the same mistake again. It has been drilled into me to put commas before connectives such as "and" and "but" you see.
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Post by Amagine »

Gingerbo0ks wrote:So just to clarify something..We shouldn't be putting the coma before the and? I was given many errors for use of commas but surprisingly was not given an error for a sentence I wrote where I omitted a coma and just put "and".


Is this a UK/USA thing? I would like to think I haven't forgotten how to correctly structure a sentence. However if there is a rule I would like to know so as not to make the same mistake again. It has been drilled into me to put commas before connectives such as "and" and "but" you see.
I remember reading that some cases you can put a comma before "but." I've never heard or seen anyone put one before "and."

I'm always marked down because of commas too. I've never been marked down for not having one before a connective. I usually just add a connective word and continue the sentence. I don't ever use commas in those instances.

I'm also interested in hearing someone give a full explanation on this matter. It's very interesting how grammar is so different around the world. It opens up the conversation on whether or not it's bad grammar to write the way you were taught somewhere else.
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Post by Gingerbo0ks »

So I am correct in thinking one shouldn't be putting commas before an "and" if they want to avoid being marked down.
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Post by mehmetakkoch »

Sometimes we omit seeing some basic rules about what we know very well like grammar. Internet can not always be the best and most effective source for reaching information. Although It sometimes becomes a library, it could be a garbage for us in our short time.
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Post by Amagine »

Gingerbo0ks wrote:So I am correct in thinking one shouldn't be putting commas before an "and" if they want to avoid being marked down.
I would think so. I've never been marked down for not having a comma before "and." So I'm guessing that if you don't have one, it should be fine.
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Post by Aimy »

Duly noted. :)
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Post by Dh_ »

I am shocked. I've always used it the first way you mentioned and I thought the other way was wrong. I'm really confused now because in school I was always taught to use it after the 'and'. Grammar is a complicated thing...
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Post by KlareAllison »

I would agree with @PashaRu that a stringent adherence to writing (punctuation) rules does stifle literary creativity.
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Post by MrsCatInTheHat »

Gingerbo0ks wrote:So just to clarify something..We shouldn't be putting the coma before the and? I was given many errors for use of commas but surprisingly was not given an error for a sentence I wrote where I omitted a coma and just put "and".
Keep in mind that editors don't point out every single error, especially if there are many. If there are more than 4-5, I typically only mention the 4-5 biggest issues.
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Post by meteku4 »

I am always used to the comma before the 'and'. Thanks for the enlightenment.
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Post by Dolor »

I know about the Oxford comma and I wonder why some folks put comma before the article "and" when it is not necessary. But the worst is I even saw others putting comma after the conjunction "and". ^_^ ?
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Post by Dael Reader »

I use the Chicago Manual of Style, which suggests that use of the serial comma (Oxford comma) is a matter of choice. I prefer to use it because then you are never confused. And since I'm an American, I call it the Harvard comma.
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Post by Dael Reader »

Well, I just lost points on a review because I used the serial comma. The editor said it was "unnecessary" and reduced my points. This is ridiculous. I always use the serial comma because I follow the Chicago Manual of Style, which recommends it. And I do not believe my score should be lowered because of it.
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Post by Mary WhiteFace »

"She bought red, green, and blue balloons. vs
She bought red, green and blue balloons."

The first sentence looks like she bought multiple balloons each a different color.

The second looks like she bought multiple balloons that are multi-colored with all three colors on each balloon.

That's just my personal take on it. Not from following any type of grammar rules. Which the average reader may not know, or even care about.

I often wonder why we need all the rules anyway, as I attempt to follow them. But, isn't the most basic rule of all that the reader understand what we wrote? And that commas, and other assorted punctuation, should be used in whatever place is appropriate to convey the message?

With all the Experts out in the world, who is the Ultimate Authority? In my mind...The Reader. The qualifying question... Did you understand me?
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Post by Mary WhiteFace »

Dael Reader wrote: 22 Jul 2018, 08:31 Well, I just lost points on a review because I used the serial comma. The editor said it was "unnecessary" and reduced my points. This is ridiculous. I always use the serial comma because I follow the Chicago Manual of Style, which recommends it. And I do not believe my score should be lowered because of it.
I'm not saying that you should, or shouldn't, but you do have the option to contest it. Simply cite your source for the punctuation rules that you are following.
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