Where to look when its not in the book different goals. The oxford comma is a comma that appears before a conjunction in a list and ap style officially ignores it. Ap stylebook online is a searchable, customizable resource for writers and editors. No newspaper is going to be shut down because they added an oxford comma in a sentence or wrote a date incorrectly. For those of you unfamiliar with the associated press stylebook, its the journalists bible. Ap style the style guide that newspaper reporters adhere todoes not require. By definition, the oxford comma is the comma used immediately before the final coordinating conjunction in a list. In the name of clarity, here are a few that even our toughest mgh proofreaders agree could use a revision. The new ap stylebook will not end the oxford comma debate more the venerable style guide you know and love, or maybe love to complain about, the ap stylebook, is having a big birthday. Oxford comma definition of oxford comma by the free dictionary. Nov 16, 2011 there are 11 simple rules that govern the comma in ap style.
The oxford comma occurs in a list of at least three items just prior to the conjunction and. The following are simple examples that use serial commas. The associated press has a stylebook with rules and standards used primarily in journalistic and news writing. A comma is used to separate an introductory clause or phrase from the main clause. An oxford comma is the final comma used before an and at the end of a list and is used to avoid ambiguity. The associated press stylebook provides an az guide to issues such as capitalization, abbreviation, punctuation, spelling, numerals and many other questions of language usage. Colon capitalize the first word after a colon only if it is a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence.
Apr 03, 2011 serial comma definition is a comma used to separate the secondtolast item in a list from a final item introduced by the conjunction and or or called also harvard comma, oxford comma. Five updates to the 2017 associated press stylebook. In the current edition of the blue book of grammar and punctuation and on the website, we have stated a preference for use of the serial, or oxford, comma. Before the party began, mary prepared all of the food, cleaned up the kitchen and chilled the wine. There are 11 simple rules that govern the comma in ap style. The new stylebook emphasizes that clarity is the bottom line. She smiled, youll want to read this gatehouse newsroom post about how to properly use quotation marks in ap style stories then. Aps stance is to omit the serial comma except when it prevents misreading, and. I devote a chapter in my book the glamour of grammar to my preference for that final comma, and now believe that ap style should now include it. The notation ii or 2nd may be used if it is the individuals preference. No newspaper is going to be shut down because they added an oxford comma in a. So the example i used above would read like this without the oxford comma. The oxford comma should only be used in lists of three items or more otherwise, it may give the. The phrase rain gardens, porous pavements, and green roofs is written with the serial comma, while the phrase rain gardens, porous pavements and green roofs is written without it.
Heres a popular example of a sentence in which the absence of an oxford comma results in an inaccurate and quite humorous interpretation. For example, a list of three countries might be punctuated either as france, italy and spain without the serial comma or france, italy, and spain with the. How to use commas in associated press style pen and the pad. The ap stylebook has a few simple rules for using quotation marks in ap style stories. Which style guides require the use of the serial comma. For a companys formal name, consult the national stock exchanges, the new york stock exchange. Last week the ap updated its style guide and sortabutnotquitekilled the rule on hyphens.
The oxford or serial comma is the final comma in a list of things. Ap stylethe style guide that newspaper reporters adhere todoes not require. Apr 02, 20 in the current edition of the blue book of grammar and punctuation and on the website, we have stated a preference for use of the serial, or oxford, comma. Oct 02, 2011 by definition, the oxford comma is the comma used immediately before the final coordinating conjunction in a list. For instance, ap would use the serial comma in this sentence. In english language punctuation, a serial comma, or series comma also called an oxford comma or harvard comma, is a comma placed immediately before the coordinating conjunction usually and or or in a series of three or more terms. Heres an example of a sentence that contains a list of two items. But that doesnt mean we agree with all the ap style guides rules. Ive been reading that ap is saying now that you only use the serial comma when it affects the meaning of the sentence. According to oxford referencing style guide, a title page should look this way. I ate scrambled eggs, french toast and apple juice.
The family meal was soup, fish and chips, and ice cream. Lets go ahead and declare it the year of the exclamation point. In mla style, either format for commas is appropriate. The 2019 edition of the associated press stylebook and briefing on media law includes more than 200 new or revised entries, with chapters covering data journalism, business, fashion, food, religion and sports terms, as well as media law, news values, punctuation, social media, polls and surveys and a new chapter on health and science. When he had tired of the mad pace of new york, he moved to. These books are three of the best books for grammar and usage because they are reputable sources of information.
The new ap stylebook will not end the oxford comma debate. In some style guides, such as that of the associated press ap, the only time an oxford comma is used is when it is necessary in order to accurately understand the sentence. Some writing styles such as the ap style which newspaper reporters often usedoes not require the oxford comma. Ap style, the oxford comma, and communication the daily campus. Also known as the serial comma, this comma comes before the word and and the end of a list or series. It is also required by the chicago manual of style and mla style. The oxford comma is used more often in nonjournalistic prose. However, in ap style, the oxford comma is not used, and only he hate apples, oranges and grapes is acceptable. Heres an example of a sentence with the oxford comma. Ap style also aims to avoid stereotypes and unintentionally offensive language. However, chicago style or the chicago manual of style, which is commonly used by book publishers, academics and trade publications does require an oxford comma. Writers, editors, students and public relations specialists find it.
Associated press style is to use dashes, not bullets, for lists that follow a colon. Oxford comma definition and meaning collins english dictionary. Or more accurately, the serial comma, also known as the oxford or harvard comma depending on where youre from, which comes after the penultimate item and before a conjunction in a. Oxford comma synonyms, oxford comma pronunciation, oxford comma translation, english dictionary definition of oxford comma. A serial comma simply means that a comma will separate each element in a series of three or more, even before the coordinating conjunctions and and before or. Spell out all numbers up to 10, then use numerals after that. Although the normal style is to avoid the serial comma, use one if it is needed for clarity. The school offers courses titled arts and entertainment. The department prefers bullets, but punctuate them per ap style.
Note, however, that the ii and 2nd are not necessarily the equivalent of junior they often are used by a grandson or nephew. In ap style, omit the comma before the last item in a simple series, such as joe, john and steve. The oxford or serial comma is one of the more divisive parts of the english language even more so than the singular they, and it looks like the hyphen will be relegated to the same battlefield. Lets take a look at how the sentences above will look written in ap style. What is the oxford comma and why is it so important. The proper definition of the oxford comma is a comma used after the penultimate item in a list of three or more items, before and or or. Its updated throughout the year and valuable onlineonly resources, including ask the editor, topical guides and pronunciation guide, expand on the print book s guidance. Ap style thats the associated press stylebook, which many. For example, a list of three countries might be punctuated either as france, italy and spain without the. Aka is simpler and cleaner, and since it doesnt resemble the. Add websters new world college dictionary for a more comprehensive resource. This book is dedicated to my parents, ayn rand and god. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Use of the oxford comma is stylistic, meaning that some style guides demand its use while others dont.
For example, the last comma in the sentence she had apple bottom jeans, boots with the fur, and the whole club looking at her is an oxford comma. Nov 12, 2019 the style guide that newspaper reporters use, ap style, doesnt require use of the oxford comma. Although it is sold as a guide for reporters, it has become the leading reference. Oxford referencing style sample of cover page and other examples. In contrast, most british style guides discourage use of the serial comma unless the items in the series would be confusing without it. While ap style is largely sound, there are a few rules that are quite subjective. That final comma before the and in a list is called an oxford comma, or serial comma. The oxford comma is a comma that falls before the word and in a list of three items or more. Ap style rules to remember for better online writing. The jumper is available in green, yellow, and black and white. Its mobile optimized so you can use it on your desktop, laptop, smartphone or tablet. What follows are summaries of some of the most common style rules. After each bullet, capitalize the first letter and use periods at the end of each item.
This searchable, customizable, regularly updated version of ap stylebook offers bonus features including ask the editor, topical guides and pronunciation guide. This week we address the serial comma, seventh in the list of the top 10 most common apa style errors as identified by onwuegbuzie, combs, slate, and frels 2010 also known as the oxford comma, the serial comma is the final comma in a list of three items or more, and it is used immediately before and, or, and occasionally nor. Ap style thats the associated press stylebook, which many journalists live by does not use an oxford comma. The definition of ap style is the grammar, capitalization and punctuation style of the associated press news agency, used by newspapers and other news and media outlets. What they are and how to use them site title english grammar and use are the ap associated press and chicago manuals. This is not a style change, but a clarification because the editors noted that some writers were confused.
The ap stylebook still recommends the comma before the final and in a simple series, but the new entry clarifies that there are instances where the oxford comma is needed for. Oxford style requires the use of the comma to avoid confusion, hence the name oxford comma. Ap wants hyphens to literally go the way of the oxford comma. That missing comma is as egregious to me as a hole in the seat of john mcintyres trousers. Either ap style must change to meet the needs of language, or newspapers should exercise leniency with its use in the name of communication. Where did the oxford comma come from, and why is it so. Use commas to separate elements in a series, but do not put a comma. Though the ap stylebook is a notable exception, most american style guides recommend using the serial comma for the sake of clarity and consistency.
Serial comma definition of serial comma by merriamwebster. According to ap style you do not use a comma before inc. Mary invited peter, alice, and kate to her birthday party. In general, magazines and newspapers discourage it in order to save ink and space but the new yorker is an exception. In some style guides, such as that of the associated press ap, the only time an. No oxford comma use semicolons for complex series one is red, white and blue. Include the citations you mentioned in the text in the manner offered in the examples of oxford comma ap style guide in the upcoming section. Rule 1to avoid confusion, use commas to separate words and word groups with a series of three or more. In september 2017, the associated press ap released a clear, concise statement via twitter. The oxford comma is a hot topic among grammar enthusiasts, but how does one. Mar 16, 2017 or more accurately, the serial comma, also known as the oxford or harvard comma depending on where youre from, which comes after the penultimate item and before a conjunction in a series. Here are a few clarifications from textbroker for where we stand on these issues.
Its a reference book that defines rules on grammar, spelling, punctuation and usages. Too many periods can be clunky or confusing, especially in scientific contexts, which are often already clogged with decimal points as part of statistical notation. Ap stylebook, also known by its full name the associated press stylebook and briefing on media law, is an english grammar style and usage guide created by american journalists working for or connected with the associated press to standardize mass communications. Spiralbound book, updated each spring 2019 ap stylebook. If the series includes internal commas that necessitate semicolons or uses a conjunction such as and, include the comma. The guidelines help writers present clear and concise information with consistent structure to keep readers focused.
Associated press style guide ap style the serial commaoxford commas. The oxford comma, also called a serial comma, is the last comma in a list, right before and or or. It is important to note that the ap style guide is just that. His new diet prevents him from eating meat, gluten, and dairy. Heres a popular example of a sentence in which the absence of an oxford comma results in an. It is the comma used immediately before a conjunction in a series of three or more items. Aug 21, 2019 though the ap stylebook is a notable exception, most american style guides recommend using the serial comma for the sake of clarity and consistency. However, different publications may choose to break this rule, so use whichever your editor prefers. I wonder if you really meant the oxford comma the comma before the last item.