The editing question I get more often than any other is about the Oxford—or serial—comma. No, this is not the Ted Bundy of punctuation. It’s the comma that precedes the word “and” in a list, as shown in this sentence: What do the Boston Strangler, Hannibal Lecter, and Jack the Ripper have in common?
The serial comma, like most punctuation, can be a grammatical lifesaver. Imagine this book dedication, sans serial comma: To my parents, John Lennon and Madonna. Is this a case of “Imagine” (no possessions) meeting the “Material Girl,” or has a serial comma gone missing? “Help!”
Using a serial comma in a sentence-style list is the favored construction in American English. One notable exception is in the press. Newspapers and other media outlets surely save gobs of ink, newsprint, and pixels by eliminating all those pesky commas. But for the rest of us, while the serial comma is not always needed to achieve an unmistakable meaning, its consistent use is generally helpful and always correct.
Ellen, what a funny, clever piece! Thank you. I’ll share this with my editing clients.
Thank you so much, Jill! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
That was just super and perfectly succinct, Ellen! If only … about John Lennon and Madonna … 😉
Karen
Thank you, Karen. My goodness—just imagine!!!
I love it when a dry subject like punctuation can be explained with humor!!
Thank you, Laurel! So glad you enjoyed this. 🙂
I love it when something can be explained so clearly and so succinctly! Thanks, Ellen!
My pleasure, Rivvy. Thanks for the compliment!
I love the funny logic collisions missing commas create! Nicely observed and much-needed advice.
Thanks, Maggie! I love how you expressed that—”funny logic collisions”! 🙂
Wonderful piece, El! Clever and informative.
Thanks, Marcie! Runs in the family. 😉
Very well written. Clear, clever, instructive, and concise.
Nice job.
Thanks, Eddie! So glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Congrats on a great piece with lots of giggles!
Thank you, Alice! Your stamp of approval is much appreciated. 🙂
I’m a serial serial comma user. Which sounds pretty criminal. Great post!
Ooo! And you’re a newspaper guy. Thanks, Marty! Looking forward to when our paths cross again. 🙂
Loved it, Ellen. Succinct, clear, and persuasive!
Thank you so much, Jody. I really appreciate your comment!
A pet peeve of mine exposed. Thank you.
My favorite comma omission is:
How to cook crack and clean a crab.
Funny! Thank you, John!
That was terrific. Fun title. I caused a certain amount of stir when I wanted to add an Oxford Comma to the title of a UN policy. Adding the comma was perceived as colonialist (maybe the name should be changed from Oxford to Serial?)
That’s funny, Carol! I’ve read that the Oxford comma isn’t all that popular in England, so maybe the UN should rethink its stance. 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed this.
…then there is the famous (koala bear?) (hungry murderer?) who “Eats Shoots and Leaves”…
Good one, Eve. I’ll go with the koala bear. 🙂
This was a laugh-out-loud delight.
So glad you had fun with it, Wendy! Thank you. 🙂
Loved this and shared widely. Great work, Ellen!
That’s fantastic. Thank you, Carol! I’m so glad you liked it.
Nicely worded! I’m also an (almost always) Oxford comma user. 🙂
Thanks, Diana. This is the way. 😉
I’m so inspired that you posted a blog! And love the nod to the environmental and economic impact of adhering to perfection!
Thank you, Susan. How lovely to be an inspiration! Takes one to know one, I suppose. 🙂
Oh thank you, Ellen! And for that other oft-dropped usage of the comma, before one’s name!
You are justified, Susan, in appreciating that comma. But I will admit to liking the more relaxed trend in informal email and text salutations (e.g., “Hi Susan!”). In this regard, I believe that CMOS does, in fact, speak for moms everywhere. 🙂
I love that CMOS acknowledges this comma in formal writing, and I’ve also joined the relaxed trend, but will keep using it from time to time to make sure it doesn’t go extinct!
Love it! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Debbie! Glad you liked it. 🙂