Serial/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.
Is the Oxford comma used in British English?
British and American English both use the Oxford comma like this, but they differ on when it is used: Typically, in British English, we only use an Oxford comma when a list would be unclear without one, such as in the example sentence above. In American English, it is often standard to use an Oxford comma in lists.
Why is the Oxford comma so controversial?
“This practice is controversial and is known as the serial comma or Oxford comma, because it is part of the house style of Oxford University Press.” The important consideration is whether or not using an Oxford comma will remove ambiguity from a list, or add ambiguity. Language should make communication easier.
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.
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 British English use Z or S?
The UK uses ‘s’ for words spelt with the letter s and ‘z’ for those spelt with the letter z, or zee as some might say!
Is British English considered proper English?
British English is ‘correct’ where it is spoken, and American or Australian English is correct in those areas of the world. While it might not seem clean and neat to have so many ‘correct’ versions of a language, that’s just the way it is. Of course, all of these versions of English are perfectly interchangeable.
Why do people hate Oxford commas?
Many opponents of the Oxford comma claim that it makes a piece of writing sound more pretentious and stuffy, and that it can make things seem cluttered and redundant. Many magazine publishers renounce its use as well, because sentences loaded with commas take up valuable page space.
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.
What is the alternative to the Oxford comma?
The Oxford Comma is Often a Crutch for Lazy Writing
The alternative is simply to write unambiguous lists. If the Oxford comma is necessary to make a list clear, either rewrite the list or break out the elements into their own independent clauses or sentences.
Can Americans use British spelling?
It’s not against the law! British spellings will be understood, however if you’re writing in an official capacity, you may be required to use US spellings.
Is the Oxford comma still relevant?
It is more of a stylistic choice rather than following a universal rule of grammar, such as the rule that a noun and verb are required to make a complete sentence. Some style guides don’t require the use of the Oxford Comma, but there are exceptions. AP Style writing requires the use of the Oxford Comma.
Is British English the same as American English?
The main difference between British English and American English is in pronunciation. Some words are also different in each variety of English, and there are also a few differences in the way they use grammar.
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.
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 do people say they are a fan of the Oxford comma?
Also known as the serial comma, the Oxford comma is the one that goes before “and” (or “or”) in a list of three or more things: “The American flag is red, white, and blue.” Fans of the Oxford comma think it prevents ambiguity.
Is it GREY or gray?
Grey and gray are two different spellings of the same word. Gray is more common in the U.S., while grey is more common in other English-speaking countries. In proper names—like Earl Grey tea and the unit Gray, among others—the spelling stays the same, and they need to be memorized.
Why do British spell color Colour?
Color is the spelling used in the United States. Colour is used in other English-speaking countries. The word color has its roots (unsurprisingly) in the Latin word color. It entered Middle English through the Anglo-Norman colur, which was a version of the Old French colour.
Why do British replace Z s?
So Americans use Z’s because of nineteenth century dictionaries, while British people use S’s because they’re asserting their national identity.
Which American accent is closest to British?
While the accent of the American South might be difficult to comprehend for many students of the English language, its original form was actually much closer to British English, albeit with a playful inflection.
What is the most British thing to say?
11 Bloody Brilliant British English Phrases
- “Fancy a cuppa?” meaning: “Would you like a cup of tea?”
- “Alright?” meaning: “Hey, how are you?”
- “I’m knackered!” meaning: “I’m tired.”
- Cheeky. meaning: playful; mischievous.
- “I’m chuffed to bits!” meaning “I’m very pleased.”
- Bloody. meaning: very.
- To bodge something.
- “I’m pissed.”