Why does AP Style not use the Oxford comma?
Why does AP Style not use the Oxford comma?
But when following AP Style, you wouldn’t include a comma there. The reason, Fogarty says, is because AP Style was developed for use in newspapers. Back in ye olde days when print was king, every space counted. So the style gods decided that a simple series made sense without that last comma.
What does no Oxford comma mean?
Without the Oxford comma, it seems that the parents are the cat and dog. With it, you can tell the parents, cat, and dog are all different parts of the list. However, someone against the Oxford comma could claim that the writer should simply reword their sentence. They could change it to: “I live with my parents.
What is AP Style for comma?
AP Style states: A comma is used to separate an introductory clause or phrase from the main clause:When he had tired of the mad pace of New York, he moved to Dubuque. The comma may be omitted after short introductory phrases if no ambiguity would result: During the night he heard many noises.
Does AP allow the serial comma?
In short, AP’s stance is to omit the serial comma except when it prevents misreading, and Chicago’s stance is to always include it—for the same reason.
Does AP use Oxford commas?
AP style does not use Oxford commas. That’s the Chicago Manual of Style, which is commonly used by book publishers, academics and trade publications. So the decision about whether to use an Oxford comma relies on what type of writing you’re doing, and which style guide applies to that project.
When should you not use an Oxford comma?
Regardless of the order, a proper noun and a common noun would be next to each other in a list, and an Oxford comma would allow readers to mistake one as a clarification of the previous noun. Another reason to skip the Oxford comma is to save time, both for the writer and reader.
Why do people say Oxford comma?
Proponents say it provides clarity, and critics say it provides redundancy. It goes by “serial” and “Oxford,” for the Oxford University Press style guide, which advocates for the serial comma (even though it’s generally more common in American English usage than British English).
Does AP require Oxford comma?
AP Style—the style guide that newspaper reporters adhere to—does not require the use of the Oxford comma. The sentence above written in AP style would look like this: Please bring me a pencil, eraser and notebook. Here’s a tip: Commas can be tricky, but they don’t have to trip you up.
Does AP style support the Oxford comma?
Use of the Oxford comma is stylistic, meaning that some style guides demand its use while others don’t. AP Style—the style guide that newspaper reporters adhere to—does not require the use of the Oxford comma. The sentence above written in AP style would look like this: Please bring me a pencil, eraser and notebook.
Is the Oxford comma required?
The Oxford comma has been around for centuries, but is entirely optional: the rules of punctuation do not demand its use. Technically it’s never wrong, but it may not always be necessary.
Does MLA require Oxford comma?
MLA style uses the serial comma, also called the Oxford comma or Harvard comma. If you are writing a list of objects or adjectives, separate each object with a comma. You also use a comma before the conjunction in MLA style.
Is the Oxford comma used in American English?
The Serial/Oxford Comma The serial comma (also known as the “Oxford comma” in the UK) is a comma placed before the last item in a list of three or more things. Most American English style guides recommend using this comma as standard: I believe in good spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Is Oxford comma necessary?
Do you need Oxford comma?
It indicates the ability to send an email. An Oxford, or serial, comma is the last comma in a list; it goes before the word “and.” Technically, it’s grammatically optional in American English. However, depending on the list you are writing out, omitting it can lead to some confusion.
Is the Oxford comma correct?
So what is the Oxford comma? Well, appropriately enough, the Oxford Dictionary has the answer. The proper definition of the Oxford comma is “a comma used after the penultimate item in a list of three or more items, before ‘and’ or ‘or’.” For example: “Today I went to lunch with my roommates, Tom, and Molly.”
Is the Oxford comma optional?
