The Oxford comma. Yea or nay?
Discuss, and give us your verdict in the comments!
Typewriter Monkey Task Force
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The Oxford comma. Yea or nay?
Discuss, and give us your verdict in the comments!
Typewriter Monkey Task Force 
Oh, the Oxford Comma. First of all, I did not realize that it had such a sophisticated name because I’ve only ever heard it termed the serial comma. And I must say that Oxford Comma makes me sit up straighter.
My opinion: Yes.
My first job during college and then out of college was working at a Catholic book publishing house. We stuck to the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS). I was always checking the CMS for different rules, and I love that it could answer almost anything that I wanted to know about grammar. I kind of wish that it was the World Standard because that would simplify publishing for multiple countries at once.
When I see that the Oxford Comma is not present in a particular serial list, I can’t help but feel that there is something huge missing and sometimes it makes me wonder at a person’s writing abilities and grammar knowledge.
Thanks for your reply! My question has also received a few replies on Facebook, and all responses so far have supported the Oxford comma. I’ve never had any strong opinion on the subject — I omit the serial comma only because I generally favor a minimalistic approach to things — but after reading a number of thoughtful replies, I’m seriously considering using the Oxford comma in future.
I think there’s something to be said for minimalism. For certain.
Well, the people have spoken, on this blog and elsewhere, and Adam has listened. Henceforth, I will use the Oxford comma… probably. 🙂
I salute your decision. Excited to see the old friend show up in his very dignified manner. 😉