Okay. Okay. As someone raised on AP, I was on the other side. But by the time I read about the grandfather’s family, I was convinced there was definitely merit.
“Don’t ruin a good story with the facts.” That gave me a big laugh. I am also a fan of the OC, and discussions of it turn me into a snobby dork. It's ok. I own it.
Oh Elizabeth, I've learned SOOOOOOO MUCH from this! Thank you so much - I'm saving this post to refer to again (and again, and again).....
I am not a habitual user of the Oxford comma, although I make exceptions when its absence leaves my words open to being misconstrued. I don't enjoy the use of them for the sake of it, though - I would, for instance, write 'I went to the supermarket and bought apples, eggs and oranges' rather than 'and bought apples, eggs, and oranges'.
Something I don't like is when - in the context of being used as brackets/parentheses - commas appear singly rather than as a pair:
'My friend lives in Austin, Texas, and has done so for many years.'
'My friend lives in Austin, Texas and has done so for many years.'
The second version drives me nuts!
I'm not sure either instance - either the serial comma or the parentheses commas - demonstrates the Oxford comma as such, but you've certainly given my brain something to have a long, hard talk with itself about!
Great, and timely, Elizabeth. I just spent some time putting the Oxford comma in, taking it out, and putting it back into a Substack note, not because I don’t believe in or like the Oxford comma; I do, very much! (I also love semi-colons lol) The question was how related did I feel two items in my list were. It was a really close call!
Also, I think you just highlighted my biggest recurring marital flash point. My wife very much believes that generalities in communication are good enough, and I believe that accuracy will keep us out of trouble. Ironically, it is my insistence on accuracy that GETS us into trouble! 😆🤣
"Eats, Shoots and Leaves" by Lynn Truss, early 2000s.
As a firm believer in necessary Oxford commas, this was a treat to read. As was your piece, Elizabeth! Thank you.
“This book is dedicated to my parents, Ayn Rand and God.” Frightening union!! Thanks for the laughs.
Okay. Okay. As someone raised on AP, I was on the other side. But by the time I read about the grandfather’s family, I was convinced there was definitely merit.
“Don’t ruin a good story with the facts.” That gave me a big laugh. I am also a fan of the OC, and discussions of it turn me into a snobby dork. It's ok. I own it.
You made me laugh and that’s rare these days!
If only for the title this is perfection. And the rest is great too. But that title earned a guffaw. Thank you.
Oh Elizabeth, I've learned SOOOOOOO MUCH from this! Thank you so much - I'm saving this post to refer to again (and again, and again).....
I am not a habitual user of the Oxford comma, although I make exceptions when its absence leaves my words open to being misconstrued. I don't enjoy the use of them for the sake of it, though - I would, for instance, write 'I went to the supermarket and bought apples, eggs and oranges' rather than 'and bought apples, eggs, and oranges'.
Something I don't like is when - in the context of being used as brackets/parentheses - commas appear singly rather than as a pair:
'My friend lives in Austin, Texas, and has done so for many years.'
'My friend lives in Austin, Texas and has done so for many years.'
The second version drives me nuts!
I'm not sure either instance - either the serial comma or the parentheses commas - demonstrates the Oxford comma as such, but you've certainly given my brain something to have a long, hard talk with itself about!
A fantastic post!
Great, and timely, Elizabeth. I just spent some time putting the Oxford comma in, taking it out, and putting it back into a Substack note, not because I don’t believe in or like the Oxford comma; I do, very much! (I also love semi-colons lol) The question was how related did I feel two items in my list were. It was a really close call!
Also, I think you just highlighted my biggest recurring marital flash point. My wife very much believes that generalities in communication are good enough, and I believe that accuracy will keep us out of trouble. Ironically, it is my insistence on accuracy that GETS us into trouble! 😆🤣