ThreeBlessings Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 I have a question about comma usage. As far as I can tell there is more than one correct way to list objects with commas. Example- Bugs, bats and spiders are all gross. Bugs, bats, and spiders are all gross. Are these both correct? Is one *more* correct for American English? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 This one comes up fairly often and people have quite strong opinions about it. You might want to search on 'Oxford comma' to see what comes up. For what it's worth, I don't use the Oxford comma unless it's necessary for the sense of the sentence. I'm not American, however. I would use it, for example, in the sentence, "I like wine, gin and tonic, and beer," but not in the sentence, "I like wine, gin and beer." Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blondeviolin Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 Yep. This is actually a personal preference. I prefer use of the oxford comma for continuity sake, but it is not necessary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camikins2010 Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 Perfect example why I have such a hard time with grammar...especially commas. Whenever I'm stuck about when to use a comma, I ask my hubby...I typically get a "yes, that is correct, however, you can make the argument that..." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GingerPoppy Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 But... I think bugs, bats, and spiders are cute! Oh, and I always use an Oxford comma. For one thing, my voice definitely makes the pause in that spot when I say the sentence aloud. As well, I think it simply avoids ambiguity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walking-Iris Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 I prefer the Oxford comma. If you read your two sentences out loud you'll see why most would say the Oxford comma is correct. Bugs, (slight pause) bats and spiders are gross. Bugs,(slight pause) bats, (slight pause) and spiders are gross. One sounds better when read aloud. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssavings Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 We have pretty regular family debates over this issue on holidays. I use it. I think it provides clarity and continuity, especially when reading outloud. However, my brother would argue that it is old-fashioned, cluttered, and there is a natural break between words so the comma isn't needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camikins2010 Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 LOL Linda! Didn't have my hubby around to proofread for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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