Saturday, March 18, 2017

I'd like to thank my parents, Mother Teresa and the Pope (in defense of the Oxford comma) - NOVA this week

Observations from my weekly wanderings, usually in Northern Virginia (NOVA).

There are three kinds of people in this world: those who can count, and those who can’t.

No, wait…there are three kinds of people in this world: proponents of the Oxford comma, opponents of the Oxford comma, and those who don’t know or don’t care about the Oxford comma.

If you are in the last group, and I’ve piqued your interest, it’s easy enough to look up. If you are not interested, I won’t spoil your bliss.

Me? I’m definitely a fan. The best defense of the Oxford comma? My subject sentence:

I’d like to thank my parents, Mother Teresa and the Pope.


Makes me chuckle every time.

4 comments:

  1. Lol. I'm totally for the Oxford comma. I guess you heard about the lawsuit in Maine (I think) that hinged on the Oxford comma.

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    1. Yep...I do a lot of technical writing, and the missing oxford comma can definitely change things. It isn't always necessary, but sometimes it is, so I think just be in the habit of using it, because even when it isn't necessary...it isn't incorrect.

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