Oxford Comma Usage
X, Y, AND Z (ITEMS IN A SERIES)
Put commas between all items in a list.
When giving a short and simple list of things in a sentence, the last comma (right before the conjunction–usually and or or) is sometimes seen as optional by writers; however, it is never wrong. Therefore, you should always use it.
The use of a comma between all items in a series is called the use of the Oxford comma. While some people think it is not necessary, it is always correct to have the Oxford comma, and therefore, you should not leave it out.
When the items in the list are longer and more complicated, you should always place a final comma before the conjunction.
EXAMPLES
X, Y, AND Z (ITEMS IN A SERIES)
Put commas between all items in a list.
When giving a short and simple list of things in a sentence, the last comma (right before the conjunction–usually and or or) is sometimes seen as optional by writers; however, it is never wrong. Therefore, you should always use it.
The use of a comma between all items in a series is called the use of the Oxford comma. While some people think it is not necessary, it is always correct to have the Oxford comma, and therefore, you should not leave it out.
When the items in the list are longer and more complicated, you should always place a final comma before the conjunction.
EXAMPLES
- SHORT LIST: You can buy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in Los Angeles.
- COMPLICATED LIST: A good student listens to his teachers without yawning, reads once in a while, and writes papers before they are due.
Items in a Series content modified for ENGL101 by J. Dick.
Original content available at http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/commas/ and last modified 10/17/2019
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