Last week I challenged you all to a question of grave importance: Is the Oxford comma necessary?
In this article, we will explore the results of that survey, discuss why this matters in the first place (because it definitely does!), and draw conclusions based on the grammatical facts out there.
In the end, however, the choice whether or not to believe is entirely up to you.
{Quick disclaimer: First, I am not an official pollster. Didn’t know if y’all realized that or not… Second, polls are never perfectly accurate reflections of public opinion—even if I like the opinion I see. Now on to the results!}
The Results: Is the Oxford Comma Necessary?
- Instagram:
Yes: 97%
No: 3%
- Facebook:
Yes: 91%
No: 9%
I was a little surprised by the steepness of these percentages—over 90% of participants on both platforms (at least of the people I’m reaching) assert that the Oxford comma is necessary!
Let’s explore why this is the case. But first, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page—some of you may be wondering, what is the Oxford comma, anyway?
What Is the Oxford Comma?
While commas were invented in the 1400s, this particular piece of punctuation wasn’t officially introduced, labeled, and recommended until the early 1900s.
The Oxford comma is also called the serial comma. It is the last comma in a series or list and occurs just before the conjunction. In the examples below, it is in bold:
Jim grabbed his beach towel, sunglasses, and novel and headed to his car.
While she waited, Sophie sipped her coffee, glanced around the parking lot, and spied Jim walking toward her.
Jim’s post-swim apple was juicy, crisp, and sweet.
The commas that are directly after sunglasses, parking lot, and crisp, respectively—and just before and—are Oxford commas.
As you may notice, it doesn’t matter whether the list consists of nouns, verbs, or adjectives—the Oxford comma can be present in lists of all sorts and is always placed just before the conjunction connecting the final item in the list.
Why It Matters
So what? you may be thinking. Big whoop. Why does this matter to me? I present two reasons:
1. Knowledge of the Oxford Comma Makes Us Look Good
Whether or not we use it, the biggest reason the Oxford comma matters to anyone who is serious about publishing his writing (or anyone who participates in writing of any kind…which is everyone…) is that some publications require it and are particular about it and others do not.
It’s important both to understand how to use (or omit) it properly and to know whether or not our boss, editor, publisher, or HR representative uses it so we can ensure our writing is up to snuff.
Being savvy about the small details in grammar goes a long way in showing we care what we’re about and that we’re knowledgeable in the nuances of detail.
2. The Oxford Comma Can Make a $5 Million Dollar Difference.
There was actually a lawsuit over the Oxford comma.
Because Maine’s state law regarding overtime did not include an Oxford comma in one of its sentences, the unclear phrasing resulted in a lawsuit costing Oakhurst Dairy $5 million dollars! I’m just going to point out that if the law had included it, the plaintiffs wouldn’t have really had a case, or at least not one with any traction.
This is one reason grammar saves lives.
Why Most People Prefer It
Now we’re going to hear from the public! Here is a collection of colorful, creative, and convincing responses I received as to why survey-ees gave the answers they did:
Its absence can change the meaning of the sentence enough to cause confusion.
Breezy B.
I didn’t use [the Oxford comma] until 2008. I haven’t gone back. It makes too much sense.
Brett R.
Because I’m OCD and it all has to match. It looks weird without it.
Katelyn T.
I would like to make my apple, banana cream and chicken pies for the fair.
I would like to make my apple, banana cream, and chicken pies for the fair.
I don’t know about you, but a chicken banana cream pie doesn’t sound very appealing (pun fully intended).
Krystin W.
The Oxford comma is necessary for reader sanity, eyesight, and overall joy!
Morgan W.
And this one:
I find it interesting that the only people who responded with reasons for their choices were supporters of the Oxford comma—supporters who are obviously passionate about this subject.
I have yet to hear an argument of any kind (convincing or not!) against the Oxford comma. Challenge: If you have one, put it in the comments below!
If you hadn’t guessed already, I did vote yes. Also confession: I do use the Oxford comma in text messages. I might use semicolons as well, but that is for another discussion. I have been asked about my grammar practices when it comes to texting, so maybe we’ll talk about texting, messaging, and email etiquette in a future post!
But do you see what I mean about everyone writing at some point? I bet you’ve sent at least a couple texts or emails today already! Now you can include the Oxford comma (or omit it according to your preference).
Conclusion
The bottom line? It is not required to use or to omit the Oxford comma. It is a subjective issue. Its use depends entirely on the publication/editor you are working with as well as your own personal preference.
This doesn’t mean it isn’t important or that people don’t feel strongly about it, however, or that knowledge of its use won’t impact our professional lives.
The most important thing is to be consistent. If you are a supporter, use it every time (unless writing for a publication that omits it, in which case I am sorry for your loss). If you are not, then by all means drop it. Just don’t try to walk the line and use it sometimes but not others. This could make you look inexperienced. It’s always better to be decisive and confident about your life choices!
Where do you stand? Is the Oxford comma necessary? Share with us in the comments below!
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