Do Americans Use Oxford Commas?

The serial comma (also known as the “Oxford comma” in the UK) is a comma placed before the last item in a list of three or more things. Most American English style guides recommend using this comma as standard: I believe in good spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Is the Oxford comma used in American English?

The Oxford comma did not actually originate at Oxford University in England. One can trace its origin in English guides from the early 20th century. The Oxford comma is “correct” in American Standard English but does not exist in other languages, nor is it mandatory in British or International English.

What countries use the Oxford comma?

“In British practice there’s an Oxford/Cambridge divide … In Canada and Australia the serial comma is recommended only to prevent ambiguity or misreading.” “The so-called ‘Oxford comma’ is an optional comma that follows the penultimate item in a list of three or more items and precedes the word ‘and’ …

How are commas used in American English?

However, a comma will indicate that you should take a smaller break. And, might also be referred to as a soft pause. It can separate ideas within a sentence, clauses, and words. There are a few rules about how to use a comma and a few factors that can help you choose if you should use one or not.

What style of punctuation do Americans tend to use?

American English puts commas and periods inside the quotation marks. The UWSC says that American people write it “this way.”

Is Oxford dictionary American or British?

Oxford English Dictionary

Why don t British people use the Oxford comma?

Despite being named after a British University, the Oxford comma (the comma used before “and” in lists (e.g., I like wookies, ewoks, and droids)) is not considered standard in UK English because only one style guide (Oxford) recommends it.

Why do Europeans use comma instead of point?

In the early 1700s, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, a German polymath, proposed the dot as the symbol for multiplication. Therefore, most of Europe favored the comma as a decimal separator.

When should you not use an Oxford comma?

The 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.

What is the difference between American and British punctuation?

Period and comma: In British English, the period and comma are placed outside quotation marks. However, if the punctuation mark is a part of the quote itself, then the quotation mark is placed after the period or comma. In American English, the period and comma are always placed inside quotation marks.

What is the difference between American English and British English grammar?

Grammar differences
The British are also more likely to use formal speech, such as ‘shall’, whereas Americans favour the more informal ‘will’ or ‘should’. Americans, however, continue to use ‘gotten’ as the past participle of ‘get’, which the British have long since dropped in favour of ‘got’.

What words are different in British and American English?

Generally speaking, it’s true that most Americans will understand British English speakers and vice versa despite the many differences.
American and British Vocabulary and Word Choice.

Are there commas before and in American English?

Revised on October 31, 2022. In English, you must put a comma before “and” when it connects two independent clauses. A clause is independent when it could stand on its own as a sentence—it has its own subject and verb.

Which type of English is used in USA?

American English
American English (AmE) is the dialect of the English language used mostly in the United States of America. It is estimated that approximately two thirds of native speakers of English live in the United States. American English is also sometimes called United States English or U.S. English.

Which punctuation mark would an American call a period?

A period, or “full stop,” is a punctuation mark in English that expresses the end of a sentence and sometimes abbreviations. It is one of the most used punctuation marks and the most common way to conclude a sentence.

Do Americans use the Oxford dictionary?

There are othe American dictionaries which are well-regarded but not as well-known, such as the Oxford American, Random House, and Webster’s New World. Americans generally don’t distinguish among dictionaries and typically refer to all dictionaries as “the dictionary”, as in “I’ll look that up in the dictionary”.

Why do Americans use z instead of s?

So Americans use Z’s because of nineteenth century dictionaries, while British people use S’s because they’re asserting their national identity.

Can Americans use British words?

Of course it is, as long as you’re speaking English in America. English is one language. If you’re using English words, then you’re speaking English. If you want to run the risk of not being understood, go ahead and use uncommon words for the region you’re in.

Does the New York Times use the Oxford comma?

It is much more widespread in the United States, although American news organizations tend to leave the second comma out (that includes The New York Times, whose style guide advises that it should not be used unless a sentence is otherwise confusing without it).

Does German use the Oxford comma?

In German there is no Oxford comma. So when Maria goes to these three people to ask her question, there is no comma for differentiation: Maria hat Bartholomäus, ihren Lehrer und ihren Mann gefragt, ob sie das Oxford-Comma verwenden soll.

Why don t lawyers use the Oxford comma?

Use of the Oxford comma is mostly a matter of preference and varies by region and profession. Lawyers should use the Oxford comma to help avoid ambiguity. Three ambiguities may arise without this comma: Whether the two final items in a list are one combined element or separate.