Do you use the Oxford comma, omit the Oxford comma[,] or leave it to your editor?
A craft article by Ashley Holloway
A hotly debated topic amongst many a writing circle, the Oxford comma, also known as the serial comma, is the comma that follows a list of three or more things. Essentially, it’s the last comma in a list. Writers who support a minimalist, streamlined approach argue that it creates clutter, while proponents of its use reason it provides clarity, thus reducing ambiguity. The question remains: is it even necessary?
Consider, for example, the following sentences: I had lunch with my parents, Desi and Lucy, versus, I had lunch with my parents, Desi, and Lucy. Who did you have lunch with? Your parents, named Desi and Lucy, or your parents, Desi, and Lucy. The difference is a reservation for three or five. And the maître d’ will want to know.
So, the answer whether to use the Oxford comma or not is both yes and no (not helpful, I know). Depending on the context of your writing, you may need to adhere to a style guide. For example, the AP stylebook, which is mostly used in journalism and media in the US (in Canada, the Canadian Press Stylebook is used), doesn’t usually require it, but the Chicago Manual of Style, used in academic settings related to the humanities, social sciences, and history does (see what I did there?). Likewise, a workplace may have its own style guide, depending on the context.
Ultimately, unless the context dictates that a style guide is to be followed, the decision to use the Oxford comma or not lies with the writer. With that in mind, clarity should dictate where and when it is used. Consistency is also important, as is personal preference. When in doubt as to whether an Oxford comma is needed, simply try rewording the sentence; it might be the case that using it or not using it still creates ambiguity, and rewording may avoid the issue altogether.
So, the next time you find yourself asking whether a comma is necessary, let clarity and consistency be your guide.
Self-proclaimed logophile and devourer of books, Ashley Holloway is a nurse, writer, and editor who teaches writing classes and healthcare leadership in Calgary, AB. She writes in a variety of genres with work appearing across Canada and the US and has co-authored three books. Ashley serves as Editorial Director at Unleash Creatives and her work has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize.