The serial comma, also known as the Oxford comma, is the comma that is placed before the coordinating conjunction (usually “and” or “or”) in a list of three or more items. Its usage is a matter of style, and it is named after the Oxford University Press, which traditionally advocated for its use.
Here’s an example to illustrate its usage:
- Without the Oxford comma: I had eggs, toast and jam for breakfast. In this example, it’s unclear whether “toast and jam” is a combined item or separate items.
- With the Oxford comma: I had eggs, toast, and jam for breakfast. In this version, the Oxford comma after “toast” clarifies that “toast” and “jam” are distinct items in the list.
Conclusion
The Oxford comma can help avoid ambiguity in certain situations and is often favored in formal writing and publishing. However, style guides may vary, and some writing styles (such as journalistic or some British styles) may omit the Oxford comma. The key is to be consistent within a document or adhere to the guidelines of a particular style manual.
