Oxford Comma

Pronunciation: /ˈɑksfərd ˈkɑmə/

Definitions of Oxford comma

noun a punctuation mark (,) used before the conjunction 'and' or 'or' in a list of items

Example Sentences

A1 I like to use the Oxford comma in my writing.

A2 The Oxford comma is used before the final conjunction in a list.

B1 Some style guides recommend using the Oxford comma for clarity.

B2 The Oxford comma is also known as the serial comma.

C1 Using the Oxford comma can help prevent confusion in complex sentences.

C2 Writers debate the necessity of the Oxford comma in formal writing.

adjective describing the specific comma style used in the Oxford University Press style guide

Example Sentences

A1 I like using the Oxford comma in my writing.

A2 The Oxford comma is important for clarity in lists.

B1 The Oxford comma is commonly used in academic writing.

B2 Some style guides recommend the use of the Oxford comma.

C1 The Oxford comma can help avoid ambiguity in complex sentences.

C2 Writers who are meticulous about punctuation always use the Oxford comma.

Examples of Oxford comma in a Sentence

formal The use of the Oxford comma is a common practice in academic writing.

informal I always use the Oxford comma when I'm writing for school.

slang Forget about the Oxford comma, no one cares about that stuff.

figurative The Oxford comma is like the cherry on top of a well-written sentence.

Grammatical Forms of Oxford comma

• plural: Oxford commas
• present tense: use Oxford commas
• future tense: will use Oxford commas
• perfect tense: have used Oxford commas
• continuous tense: are using Oxford commas
• singular: Oxford comma
• positive degree: necessary Oxford comma
• infinitive: to use Oxford commas
• gerund: enjoying using Oxford commas
• participle: used Oxford commas

Origin and Evolution of Oxford comma

First Known Use: 1905 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The term 'Oxford comma' originated from the Oxford University Press style guidelines, which advocated for the use of the serial comma in lists.

Evolution of the word: The usage of the Oxford comma has evolved over time, with some style guides and writers advocating for its use to avoid ambiguity in sentences, while others prefer to omit it for brevity. The debate over the Oxford comma continues to this day in the realm of grammar and writing.