What is the Oxford Comma?

It's a hot and heavy controversy in the grammar world! Basically, an Oxford comma is a type of serial comma - which is a comma that separates things in a list. The Oxford comma comes specifically before the coordinating conjunction (a fancy word for 'and, 'or', and so on) of the penultimate (before last) item in a list that has three or more items. HOWEVER the debate is - should we put a comma there at all?

This is an example with the Oxford comma- I need to buy juice, bread, and honey.

This is an example without the Oxford comma- I need to buy juice, bread and honey.

This is an example which doesn't fit the debate because it doesn't have enough items- I need to buy juice and honey.

What do you think? I personally use the Oxford comma, because it makes the sentence neater, clearer, and cleaner (see what I did there?)

EP
Answered by Elizabeth P. English tutor

3823 Views

See similar English IB tutors

Related English IB answers

All answers ▸

With regards to at least two literary works, show how the setting both influences the characters and reflects the author's own context.


How do I analyse a poem?


Compare the presentation and functions of the openings of two plays you have studied.


How are contrasts presented in Romeo and Juliet?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences