Quick Tip about an Oxford Comma

By Heather Kamins for About.com.

What is an Oxford Comma?

The Oxford comma, also known as the serial comma, comes before the and in a series of items. For example: The class is on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

There are many opinions and different style guide recommendations on whether or not to use the Oxford comma. In some cases, not using it can lead to confusion. For example: I admire my parents, Albert Einstein, and Marie Curie. If you don't use a serial comma there, it can look like Albert Einstein and Marie Curie are my parents. In cases like that, you definitely want to use the Oxford comma to prevent confusion.

And in all other cases such as simple lists, it's usually a good idea to use it unless you're following a style guide that specifically tells you not to.

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