The Oxford Comma: Sometimes It’s Necessary!
The debate rolls on about whether a comma is needed between the last TWO items in a list. This comma is called the “Oxford” or “Serial” comma, depending on who you ask.
This ‘80s kid grew up being taught the Oxford comma was to be used every time items were being listed. No exceptions. So I write lists of things like this:
I packed my lunch with a sandwich, carrots, and an apple. --> Here’s the Oxford comma, highlighted in yellow!
Nowadays, we teach students that the Oxford comma is optional. After all, you’d still know what I had for lunch if the list was written like this:
I packed my lunch with a sandwich, carrots and an apple. --> Notice there’s no comma between “carrots” and “and an apple.” No biggie! The list still makes sense.
Here’s where the trouble comes: sometimes a list is confusing or unclear without the Oxford comma. For example:
When you go to the store please get butter, milk, macaroni and cheese. --> Wait a minute. Do you want butter, milk, and a box of Kraft Mac ‘n Cheese? Or do you want butter, milk, a box of elbow macaroni, and a block of cheese?
If you’re not looking for Kraft’s cheesy deliciousness in a box, you’d better use an Oxford comma in your shopping request. Here’s how it would look:
When you go to the store please get butter, milk, macaroni, and cheese.
So next time you’re including a list in any type of writing, including resumes, cover letters, and academic documents, make sure your meaning is clear, and use the Oxford comma if needed!
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