answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

The serial comma was traditionally used at Oxford University Press.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why is the serial comma also called the oxford comma?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Linguistics

Do you put a comma after the word also?

The word "also" does not require a comma after it, but it depends on how it is used. This sentence does not need a comma after "also": Implementation of the Proposed Project also would enable NID to meet future needs.


Do you need a comma after and?

I think you are thinking of a series comma. It is used when there are three or more things listed. Example: I bought the butter, milk, and eggs. The second comma is the series comma. I was taught that it is the preferred method, but many publishers do not use it, particuarly newspapers. No. In lists you can omit the last comma: the idea is that the comma takes the place of and anyhow. This method is more common in England. In America the use of the extra comma (called the Oxford comma) is more common. Like the above answerers have already explained, you don't necessarily need the last comma in a series of words/phrases. Whether you use it or not depends on where you learned English, who you learned it from, and personal preference. I think the extra comma helps the reader to understand what they are reading, but it really doesn't matter. <br /><br /> However, you may also be talking about using <i>and</i> in a compound sentence. For example, you would say, "George ran a mile, and he also practiced rim shots." Note the comma between the two complete phrases. You only put it there if the second phrase is insubordinate, or stand-alone (it needs a subject and a predicate). Without the comma, you would have to remove the subject like so: "George ran a mile and also practiced rim shots." <br /><br /> As a review, you DO use a comma if you have two or more STAND-ALONE (subject and predicate) clauses.


How would you see if a sentence had a comma splice?

If a sentence consists of two independent clauses with a comma between them, it is a comma splice. That is, the part before the comma can stand on its own as a sentence, and the part after the comma can also stand on its own as a sentence, then it is a comma splice. If there is no punctuation there instead of a comma, it is known as a run-on sentence.


How many words should there be before a comma in an introductory phrase?

There is no required number of words before a comma. The comma is used to indicate a pause. The comma is also used to indicate a break in thought.


Do you enter a comma before the word which but also after a date?

Actually, you enter a comma both after the word which and after a date.

Related questions

What is the final serial comma and should you use it in your writing?

The final serial comma, also known as the Oxford comma, is the comma used before the conjunction in a list of three or more items. Whether to use it in your writing is a matter of style and preference. Some style guides, like AP style, do not require its use, while others, like MLA style, recommend using it for clarity.


Do you put a comma after the word also?

The word "also" does not require a comma after it, but it depends on how it is used. This sentence does not need a comma after "also": Implementation of the Proposed Project also would enable NID to meet future needs.


Do you need a comma after and?

I think you are thinking of a series comma. It is used when there are three or more things listed. Example: I bought the butter, milk, and eggs. The second comma is the series comma. I was taught that it is the preferred method, but many publishers do not use it, particuarly newspapers. No. In lists you can omit the last comma: the idea is that the comma takes the place of and anyhow. This method is more common in England. In America the use of the extra comma (called the Oxford comma) is more common. Like the above answerers have already explained, you don't necessarily need the last comma in a series of words/phrases. Whether you use it or not depends on where you learned English, who you learned it from, and personal preference. I think the extra comma helps the reader to understand what they are reading, but it really doesn't matter. <br /><br /> However, you may also be talking about using <i>and</i> in a compound sentence. For example, you would say, "George ran a mile, and he also practiced rim shots." Note the comma between the two complete phrases. You only put it there if the second phrase is insubordinate, or stand-alone (it needs a subject and a predicate). Without the comma, you would have to remove the subject like so: "George ran a mile and also practiced rim shots." <br /><br /> As a review, you DO use a comma if you have two or more STAND-ALONE (subject and predicate) clauses.


How would you see if a sentence had a comma splice?

If a sentence consists of two independent clauses with a comma between them, it is a comma splice. That is, the part before the comma can stand on its own as a sentence, and the part after the comma can also stand on its own as a sentence, then it is a comma splice. If there is no punctuation there instead of a comma, it is known as a run-on sentence.


How many words should there be before a comma in an introductory phrase?

There is no required number of words before a comma. The comma is used to indicate a pause. The comma is also used to indicate a break in thought.


What is the name of the river in Oxford?

It is the Thames but in Oxford it is also called the Isis.


Do you enter a comma before the word which but also after a date?

Actually, you enter a comma both after the word which and after a date.


Intel processor also has a specification number called?

A serial number.


What is appropriate comma usage?

Commas are used to separate the items in a series of three or more things. A comma is also used to separate coordinate adjectives. A comma is also used to set off quoted elements.


What is 10101 port called as?

Normally called the serial port, but could also be called UART or RS-232


What bodies of water does Oxford England border?

The River Thames borders Oxford, England. Also, the River Cherwell and the Oxford Canal.


Do you use a comma before and?

Two specific situations call for the use of a comma before "and." The first is created when we have three or more items in a series. This mark of punctuation is called the serial comma.The second situation occurs when "and" is being used to coordinate two independent clauses. An independent clause (also known as a main clause) is a group of words that has a subject and a verb, and can stand alone as a sentence.Examples:The man was selling apples and oranges. (no comma)The man was selling apples, oranges, and bananas. (commas after apples, oranges)They went out of town and forgot about the package. (no comma)They had to go out of town, and the package was never delivered.The second clause does not share the subject of the first clause (they) and a comma separates the two thoughts.