A serial comma (or Oxford comma) is an optional comma used before the last item in a list. For example, “bread, butter, and tax evasion” uses a serial comma, whereas “bread, butter and tax evasion” does not.

Do you use it? Why or why not?

I always use it. I don’t perceive any less of a pause between the last two items in a list than between any others, so it feels natural to put a comma there as well. Tbh, I’m so used to it that I usually have to do a double-take when it’s not there (since it looks like a grammar error to me at first).

    • quirzle@kbin.social
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      2
      ·
      11 months ago

      Without the Oxford Comma, it’s not a list but an appositive phrase. In that context, it’s correct usage.