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Wednesday
Sep242008

yes, yes, and yes: use the serial comma

Authorneal shaffer DateWednesday, September 24, 2008 at 10:29PM Comment3 Comments

Writing is communication, and clarity matters. Even in the smallest details.

I just got finished reading a post on the FontFeed blog about punctuation. The main subject is the interrobang, a little-known but endearingly quirky punctuation mark. That part is interesting enough, but it's the short note at the end of the post that really made me happy.

Someone called "Punctuation Man" has endorsed the serial (or Oxford) comma, which prompted Stephen Coles at FontFeed to echo his support. I'm officially throwing my own support behind both of them.

Before we go any further, here's some info on the serial comma, if it's something you're not familiar with.

In my experience, the serial comma will almost always enhance your writing in two ways: clarity and rhythm (which is not at all less important). In the rare cases where it adds ambiguity, the simplest and best solution is to rewrite the passage. So unless you work for an organization that strictly rejects it, do yourself and your work a favor and adopt the serial comma (if you haven't already). You won't regret it. 

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Reader Comments (3)

Ahhem. Yes, use it. The serial comma that is.

September 30, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterAndy

You know, I was always told the serial comma was up to personal preference. I had a number of teachers who drilled it out of me so it always looks wrong.

But maybe that's just me.

October 7, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterBryan Young

So that's what an Oxford Comma is. Now I can enjoy Vampire Weekend that much more:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_i1xk07o4g

Better than The Darjeeling Limited?

December 12, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterAlex

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