Does the Oxford comma apply to semicolons?

The anecdote presupposes that you know about the Oxford comma, the comma that goes between the next-to-last item in a list and the list’s conjunction. Because the list items contain commas, we want to use semicolons as “second-order commas”, a pretty standard but somewhat rare usage.

When should you use a semicolon instead of a comma?

Rule to Remember Use a semicolon to replace a comma when you use a coordinating conjunction to link independent clauses that already contain commas. In this example, using a semicolon makes it easier to read the two independent clauses on either side of the coordinating conjunction: Correct: My dog is sick.

Are Oxford commas grammatically correct?

An Oxford, or serial, comma is the last comma in a list; it goes before the word “and.” Technically, it’s grammatically optional in American English.

When should you not use an Oxford comma?

Don’t switch back and forth in the same document between using the Oxford comma and not using it. By the way, this rule only applies to lists of three or more items. You should not use a comma before and if you’re only mentioning two qualities.

Is the Oxford comma required in MLA?

The Modern Language Association (MLA), American Psychological Association (APA), Chicago Manual of Style (CMS), and Oxford University Press all support the Oxford comma.

Why does AP style not use the Oxford comma?

Use of the Oxford comma is stylistic, meaning that some style guides demand its use while others don’t. AP Style—the style guide that newspaper reporters adhere to—does not require the use of the Oxford comma. The sentence above written in AP style would look like this: Please bring me a pencil, eraser and notebook.

Which sentence uses the semicolon correctly?

When you have a conjunctive adverb linking two independent clauses, you should use a semicolon. Some common conjunctive adverbs include moreover, nevertheless, however, otherwise, therefore, then, finally, likewise, and consequently. I needed to go for a walk and get some fresh air; also, I needed to buy milk.

Why is the Oxford comma so controversial?

This practice is controversial and is known as the serial comma or Oxford comma, because it is part of the house style of Oxford University Press.” There are cases in which the use of the serial comma can avoid ambiguity and also instances in which its use can introduce ambiguity.

Why don t journalists use the Oxford comma?

Newspapers, in general, do not use the serial comma. The Associated Press Stylebook says to use a serial comma only when leaving it out would cause confusion. Many book publishers use it, including Oxford University Press, which is why it’s also called the Oxford comma.

Does the New York Times use the Oxford comma?

Reporters, editors and producers at The New York Times usually omit the comma, but Phil Corbett, who oversees language issues for the newsroom, wrote in a 2015 blog post that exceptions are sometimes made: But the comma is common in book and academic publishing.

Is there an Oxford comma in the semicolon list?

Furthermore, the British example lacks an Oxford comma in the non-semicolon list, and the American example contains an Oxford comma in the non-semicolon list. The Chicago Manual of Style, sixteenth edition (2010) discusses serial semicolons in two places—at 6.19, within a section headed “Series and the Serial Comma”:

When do you use an Oxford comma in a sentence?

An Oxford comma, also known as a serial comma, is the comma that precedes the conjunction before the final item in a list of three or more items. For example: In the summer, Catherine enjoyed swimming, biking, and exploring the woods with her friends. In this case, the comma after ‘biking’ but before ‘and’ is optional.

When to use a comma or semicolon in a sentence?

Use a comma between two long independent clauses when conjunctions such as and, or, but, for, nor connect them. Remember that using a semicolon draws attention to that sentence, so make sure that it is an important sentence in your essay, like the thesis or conclusion. A semicolon is used between two complete sentences.