In general journalists do not use the Oxford comma. The style guides of The Times of London, the New York Times, the Associated Press, the Canadian Press, and the Los Angeles Times specifically state that the comma not be used.
Do newspapers use the Oxford comma?
Newspapers, in general, do not use the serial comma. The Associated Press Stylebook says to use a serial comma only when leaving it out would cause confusion. Many book publishers use it, including Oxford University Press, which is why it’s also called the Oxford comma.
What publications use the Oxford comma?
The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS, used for books/magazines) and the Modern Language Association (MLA, used for academic work) both require the Oxford comma. As does the New Oxford Style Manual (not too surprisingly) and the Publication Manual of the American Psychology Association (APA).
What style guide does the New York Times use?
The New York Times Manual has various differences from the more influential Associated Press Stylebook. As some examples, the NYT Manual: Uses ‘s for possessives even for a word/name ending in s. Gives rationales for many practices for which AP simply states a rule.
Is the Oxford comma still used?
The short answer: No. Many writers, including journalists, live by the Associated Press stylebook. AP style does not use Oxford commas. However, Chicago style does require Oxford commas.
Why is Oxford comma not used in journalism?
The Associated Press Stylebook, the grammar stylebook commonly used by journalists, says not to use the comma UNLESS omitting it can lead to confusion or misinterpretation. So everytime you write a series, you have to decide whether or not you are able to omit the comma.
Is the Oxford comma unprofessional?
While the Oxford comma is technically grammatically correct, it is most often unnecessary and pointless. Thus, writers and editors should eliminate the comma unless it is absolutely essential for comprehension.
What’s the difference between an Oxford comma and a regular comma?
What is an Oxford comma? To give the Oxford comma its technical definition, it is a comma used before the final conjunction in a list of three or more items. When you’re writing a list, you naturally include commas to separate each item, but an Oxford comma is when you also put a comma before the “and [Final Item]”.
Is Oxford comma American or British?
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.
Is Oxford comma acceptable in American English?
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.
Does NYT follow AP style?
Many newspapers, magazines and public relations offices across the United States use AP style. Although some publications such as the New York Times have developed their own style guidelines, a basic knowledge of AP style is considered essential to those who want to work in print journalism.
What style guide does Penguin Random House use?
The New York Times Manual of Style and Usage, 5th Edition by Allan M. Siegal, William Connolly: 9781101905449 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books. How Can I Get Published?
Does NYT use contractions?
Write all adverbial forms correct. Don’t use contractions in formal writing. Writing carefully, dangling participles must be avoided. It is incumbent on us to avoid archaisms.
Who uses Oxford comma and who doesn t?
AP Style writing requires the use of the Oxford Comma. Someone who would typically write in AP style is a newspaper reporter. The Oxford Comma is the final comma in a list of three or more things in a sentence, which goes before the “and” or “or” in a sentence.
How do I know if I have an Oxford comma?
Open Word and click the “Word” menu item. Click “Preferences”. Click “Spelling & Grammar”. The setting for Oxford Comma is near the bottom of the list – scroll down and check the box, then click “OK”.
Is the Oxford comma always necessary?
The Oxford comma has been around for centuries, but is entirely optional: the rules of punctuation do not demand its use. Technically it’s never wrong, but it may not always be necessary.
Does the SAT use the Oxford comma?
The comma between the last two items is sometimes called the serial or Oxford comma. Although some style guides make it optional, most require it. On the SAT, the Oxford comma is required.
Is the Oxford comma pretentious?
Despite its name, the Oxford comma is less likely to be used by Brits. There is a strong argument for taking the time to craft a sentence that is clear without extra punctuation. Some believe that the Oxford comma is a pretentious add-on used to make grammar nerds feel superior.
Does Harvard use Oxford comma?
The serial comma, also known as the Oxford comma or the Harvard comma (because the Oxford and Harvard University Press style guides require it), is the final comma before the coordinating conjunction “and” in a list of three or more items.
Do most American standardized tests prefer the Oxford comma?
Though the SAT and ACT test you on a ton of rules and conventions of grammar, they don’t take a stance on the Oxford comma.
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”.