An infographic that will ensure you never misuse the Oxford comma again.
The Oxford comma—also called the serial comma and the Harvard comma—is a regular source of confusion and angst. Whether you use the comma is a matter of style, meaning that some style guides call for it and some don’t.
Yet people are often taught that they should always use it or never use it. They think there is a right way and a wrong way, they’re doing it the right way, and everyone else is doing it the wrong way.
In rare instances, the comma is needed to clear up confusion. These examples make the case, and make you laugh:
- I’d like to thank my parents, Ayn Rand and God. (a classic example)
- We invited the strippers, JFK and Stalin.
I’ve covered the comma a couple of times already:
Today, I’m pleased to include this new infographic from OnlineSchools.com.
Courtesy of: Online Schools
About the Author
Mignon Fogarty is the founder of Quick and Dirty Tips and the author of seven books on language, including the New York Times bestseller "Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing." She is an inductee in the Podcasting Hall of Fame, and the show is a five-time winner of Best Education Podcast in the Podcast Awards. She has appeared as a guest expert on the Oprah Winfrey Show and the Today Show. Her popular LinkedIn Learning courses help people write better to communicate better.
