leaves open the possibility that Betty is both a housekeeper and a cook (where “a maid and a cook” is read as a unit, in reference to Betty). In this case, neither the serial comma style nor the series comma style resolves the ambiguity. An author who intends to draw up a list of three different people (Betty, maid, cook) can create an ambiguous sentence, whether the serial comma is adopted or not. If the reader does not know which convention is used, the two versions are always ambiguous. Finally, the AP Stylebook, like all style guides, recommends putting a serial comma before the closing conjunction in a row if using a comma does not cause confusion. This is ambiguous, as it is not clear whether “a maid” is an appositive describing Betty or the second in a list of three. On the other hand, removing the last comma is: the use of the serial comma is optional, unless it is not used, it would cause confusion. Opinions among writers and editors differ on the use of serial comma, and usage also differs somewhat between regional variants of English. British English allows constructions with or without this comma,[6] while in American English it is common and sometimes even mandatory to use the comma. [7] The majority of American style guides require the use of the serial comma.

These include the APA-Stil,[8] the Chicago Manual of Style, Garner`s Modern American Usage,[9] the MLA Style Manual, the Elements of Style of Strunk and White,[10] and the U.S. Government Printing Office Style Manual. On the other hand, the Associated Press Stylebook and the New York Times Style Book[11] advise against it. In Canada, the stylebook published by The Canadian Press advises against it. Most British style guides do not prescribe its use. The Economist Style Guide notes that most British writers only use it when necessary to avoid ambiguity. [12] Some British style guides dictate this, notably The Oxford Style Manual (hence the name “Oxford comma”). [13] However, the Oxford University Style Guide (2014) advises against its use.

[14] Finally, in the body of messages, the serial comma is usually omitted. Ambiguities can often be resolved by selectively using semicolons instead of commas. This is sometimes referred to as the “super comma” function of semicolons. Omitting a serial comma is often considered a journalistic writing style, as opposed to a more academic or formal style. [28] [29] [30] Journalists generally do not use the serial comma, perhaps for reasons of spatial economy. [31] In Australia, Canada and South Africa, the serial comma tends not to be used in non-academic publications unless its absence leads to ambiguity. If you cite multiple sources from the same author in the same place, you can simply write the author`s name once and separate the different years with commas, for example (Smith, 2020, 2021). There is confusion about the writer`s ancestry because “Ayn Rand and God” can be read as an apposition for my parents, leading the reader to believe that the author claims that Ayn Rand and God are the parents. A comma before and eliminates ambiguity: There are various aesthetic and technical arguments as to why serial commas should or should not be used.

Although they are not required in journalistic writing, a distinct advantage of using serial commas is clear and unambiguous language, which is a necessity in academic writing. For APA legal citations, it is recommended to cite all journalists (publications that report cases) in which a court case appears. To quote multiple journalists, simply separate them with commas in your reference entry. This is called parallel citation. The serial comma is often used in American English, especially in formal writing. In British writing, it is usually omitted. The Times published an unintentionally humorous description of a documentary by Peter Ustinov, noting that “highlights of his world tour include encounters with Nelson Mandela, an 800-year-old demigod and collector.” Again, there is confusion as to whether the phrase refers to three different entities or whether Mandela is described as both a demigod and a collector. Adding a serial comma would not solve the problem, as he could still be mistaken for a demigod, although he is excluded from being a collector. [27] For more information on commas and how to use them correctly in APA style, see pages 88 and 89 of the Publication Manual, Sixth Edition (4.03 commas). In addition, pages 63 to 65 deal in more detail with the creation of lists (3.04 Serial).

It may also be helpful to read two previous APA-style blog posts about building lists: one about competition and the other about commas and semicolons. Keep in mind that the serial comma can affect the meaning of a sentence. The spell checker will often misdirect you when it comes to commas with appositives, so you should check this yourself. Make sure you put the comma correctly. It doesn`t always go before the final and. The AP Stylebook, which is followed in American journalism, advises against the general use of the serial comma. It is not clear whether eggs are grouped with bacon or toast. The addition of a serial comma removes this ambiguity: The Oxford Companion to the English Language states: “Usage varies in terms of the inclusion of a comma before and in the last element. This practice is controversial and is called serial comma or Oxford comma because it is part of Oxford University Press` house style. [15] Many sources object to both the systematic use and avoidance of the serial comma and make recommendations in a more nuanced manner (see #Recommendations style guides and the following sections).

Don`t use a comma when describing someone or something instead of presenting a list. This means that the word “and” is preceded by a comma at the end of a list of three or more items: “spelling, grammar, and punctuation.” If you do this regularly, your lists will tend to become less ambiguous. As an example of how omitting a serial comma can create ambiguity when I say, “I had lunch with my parents, Barack Obama and the Australian Prime Minister,” it might seem that Barack Obama and the Australian Prime Minister are my parents, which I can assure you personally. On the other hand, if I said, “I had lunch with my parents, Barack Obama and the Prime Minister of Australia,” then each of these points is markedly different from each other, and Barack Obama and the Australian Prime Minister are no longer my parents, all thanks to the addition of a serial comma. Tip: If you`re not sure if you need to put a comma between adjectives when editing essays, mentally try through the comma and – if it makes sense, a comma should probably be inserted.