What is the Oxford Comma and why do most people miss using it

Nov 18, 2024 Aakanksha Sharma

What is an Oxford Comma?

Oxford comma, also called serial comma, is used before the final word of the list and sentences. For example, ‘He bought apples, oranges, and bananas from the market’. Over here, the comma before the 'and' is the Oxford comma. canva

Why is it used?

The Oxford comma is used to make the list clearer as it helps separate every time. In more common examples like ‘I brought my friends Ravi, Kishan, and Hari with me. Here, the comma separates Ravi and Kishan from Hari. canva

Where is it commonly used?

The Oxford comma is not commonly used in British writing and is said to be more prominent in American English. It is followed by Oxford University Press and thus the name. canva

Clear example

Suppose someone says ‘I’d like to thank my parents, Arya and Shah Rukh Khan. Now this sounds like Arya and Shah Rukh Khan are the parents. But when they are separated by the Oxford comma, then it becomes clear that the speaker is thanking parents and celebrities. canva

Why do people miss using it?

Well, simply put, not all writing styles require it. For example, the Associated Press (AP) style omits the Oxford comma unless it is absolutely necessary for clarity in the sentence. canva

Not aware

Not many people know that something called an ‘Oxford comma’ exists in the first place. For them, ‘I like my parents, Salman and Shah Rukh.’ is a perfectly fine sentence. canva

The rise of casual texting

In casual texting, chatting, social media, and more, the conversation style is informal and casual, and one does not have to be grammatically correct all the time. And as these ‘casual conversations’ are more prominent, the Oxford comma and more such details are fading. canva

A whole debate

Another fact not many would know is that there are debates and discussions about the importance of the Oxford comma. And while most people still believe that it is just an additional punctuation that can be omitted, others feel it should be considered incorrect to omit it. canva

A journalist side

Some people feel that print journalists, magazine publishers, authors, and basically people who have limited space through the pages, think of the Oxford comma as a waste. canva

To use or not to use?

Well, this is purely personal preference. The Oxford comma might seem like a small detail, but it can prevent confusion, especially in bigger, confusing sentences. And so, even if you do not wish to use it, make sure you know what it is and what its proper use is. canva

Next: 8 best books to help master public speaking and communications

Thanks For Reading! Read Next