Perhaps one of the most widely contested style
choices is the use of the serial, or Oxford, comma. The serial comma is used to
separate three or more elements in a list. Consider these examples:
1. He bought apples, pears, and eggs. (Serial
Comma)
2. He bought apples, pears and eggs. (AP Style)
2. He bought apples, pears and eggs. (AP Style)
Many in the industry argue that the serial comma adds a certain
grace and ease to sentences by giving the reader and writer a clean visual
separation between different elements. Those who are opposed to the serial
comma argue that it is unnecessary and clutters up the sentence. As a writer,
you will undoubtedly encounter editors who are both passionately for and
against its use during your career. Try to be accepting of other people’s
differences, no matter what your own personal feelings on the subject may be.
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