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Old 08-16-2010, 06:45 PM   #48 (permalink)
Jetée
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Baraka_Guru View Post
This is a matter of style. The first sentence usage is referred to as the serial comma or Oxford comma. I personally prefer to use it, but others argue that it's simply unnecessary. I use it by default because in some more complex sentences the lack of a serial comma can introduce confusion. In most cases, readers should know you are using a list, making the final comma inessential because of the word and.

Just pick one style and stick with it. Using both styles interchangeably would be a problem of style.
I've noticed I've begun to omit that last comma in a series because I feel it precipitate an unnecessary pause to an end in the speaking of a sentence. I've been taught, and have taught, to make well use of the Oxford comma, but now that I'm an assimilated American, I've grown to see its redundacy (in my fast-paced writing style). It's not fully gone, as I don't embace change as one full, swift motion, but I don't use it often, is all I'm trying to impart - indeed, a personal preference.

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Now, why did I come in here again? Oh, yes; the illustrative (examples):





To read the rest of the infographic / educational reminder of a webcomic, click HERE


(I'm personally guily of the 'alot' clause of misusage.)
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