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The Oxford Comma, also referred to as a serial comma, is a comma used prior to the last item in a list. This comma falls after the penultimate item in the list, and prior to the conjunction of “and” or “or.” The popular name of “Oxford” comma comes from the British style guide, The Oxford Style Manual.
Example Using the Oxford Comma:
“Cats, dogs, and hamsters”
Example without using the Oxford Comma:
“Cats, dogs and hamsters”
Usage of the comma varies widely between countries and across different regions where the English language is spoken. British English tends to allow both structures, with and without the comma; however, American English sees the comma used more regularly, and even mandates it in some instances like US Law texts, for example. This mandate stems from a lawsuit in Maine, which was eventually settled for $5 Million. It’s a larger payout than some people may see in a lifetime of work, over a debate about a single comma.
The usage of the comma helps to differentiate the end of a list from a potential list item that contains the word “and,” and may be read or spoken with a quicker cadence. The comma becomes very important when an item within a list has a proper name that includes the word “and.”
For example, when listing out available entrees at a restaurant with “Fish and Chips” on the menu, the oxford comma stops any confusion about the last two items on the list being a combined unit.
Example:
“Caesar Salad, Salmon, Fish and Chips, Chicken Wings, Steak, and Lobster.”
Vs
“Caesar Salad, Salmon, Fish and Chips, Chicken Wings, Steak and Lobster.”
The use of the Oxford comma in this instance separates “Steak” and “Lobster” as two different entities, rather than a combined entity of “Steak and Lobster” (i.e., Surf-n-Turf). As we previously determined in this list that “and” can be used as an integral part of a proper name, the use of an Oxford comma at the end of said list will stop any confusion that the last item is part of the preceding item.
While most important for use in lists with proper names and nouns, knowing how to use the Oxford comma in all aspects of grammar is good practice to ensure your thoughts are never confused. The entire debate over the use of this comma is based on trying to mimic spoken cadence, emphasis, and tone, with written word.
I will leave this with one final example of a sentence that can take on several meanings depending on the use of commas and conjunctions:
“We went to Oregon with Betty, a maid and a cook.” (Betty is a maid and a cook, this sentence has one subject)
“We went to Oregon with Betty, a maid, and a cook.” (There are at least two subjects in the sentence, leaving open that Betty may be a maid)
“We went to Oregon with Betty, as well as a maid and a cook.” (This structure clears up all confusion in exactly who is being referenced)
While the Oxford Comma is not needed or helpful in every situation, it does clear up ambiguity in lists only containing commas and a final conjunction. In conclusion, use the Oxford Comma.
