Forum:Oxford Comma

The Serial comma (or Oxford comma) is a comma that comes before the last item in a list. Ex: Bloom, Stella, Musa, Flora. In the English language, its usage is debated (there are more pros than cons to using it), and is an optional choice. To keep things standard on the Wiki, I was thinking we should vote on its usage; for or against. Read the Wikipedia page provided or the blurb below to make an informed decision.

''"Common arguments for consistent use of the serial comma:

Use of the comma is consistent with conventional practice. It matches the spoken cadence of sentences better. It can resolve ambiguity (see examples below). Its use is consistent with other means of separating items in a list (for example, when semicolons are used to separate items, a semicolon is consistently included before the last item even when and or or is present). Its omission can suggest a stronger connection between the last two items in a series than actually exists. Its use can "prevent any misreading that the last item is part of the preceding one". Common arguments against consistent use of the serial comma:

Use of the comma is inconsistent with conventional practice. The comma may introduce ambiguity (see examples below). Where space is at a premium, the comma adds unnecessary bulk to the text."''