The Oxford comma, also known as the serial comma, continues to spark lively discussions among writers and editors. Recently, the Associated Press Stylebook, a go-to resource for journalists and communicators, addressed the ongoing debate with a clear message: “We don’t ban the Oxford comma.” This statement might seem like a straightforward clarification, but it actually highlights the nuanced stance of the AP Style Guide on this often-misunderstood punctuation mark. For those grappling with comma usage, especially in professional writing, understanding the AP style guide’s perspective on the Oxford comma is essential.
What Exactly is the Oxford Comma?
Before diving into the AP Style Guide’s approach, let’s define what the Oxford comma is. Simply put, it’s the comma that appears before the conjunction (usually “and” or “or”) in a list of three or more items. Consider these examples:
- With Oxford Comma: “My favorite foods are pizza, pasta, and salad.”
- Without Oxford Comma: “My favorite foods are pizza, pasta and salad.”
Both sentences are grammatically correct. The choice to include or omit the Oxford comma is often a matter of style and preference. However, style guides like the AP Stylebook offer specific recommendations to ensure clarity and consistency in writing.
The AP Style Guide’s Stance on the Oxford Comma
The AP Style Guide generally advises against using the Oxford comma in simple series. Their guideline states: “Use commas to separate elements in a series, but do not put a comma before the conjunction in most simple series.” This might lead some to believe the AP Stylebook is strictly anti-Oxford comma. However, their recent email and a closer look at their guidelines reveal a more flexible approach.
The key phrase in the AP Stylebook’s guidance is “in most simple series.” The style guide acknowledges situations where omitting the Oxford comma can lead to ambiguity. In such cases, they explicitly recommend including the comma to prevent misinterpretation.
For instance, the AP Stylebook provides an example to illustrate this point: “’The governor convened his most trusted advisers, economist Olivia Schneider, and polling expert Carlton Torres.’ (If the governor is convening unidentified advisers plus Schneider and Torres, the final comma is needed.)”
Here, the Oxford comma clarifies that the governor is meeting with a group consisting of trusted advisors, plus two individuals specifically named: economist Olivia Schneider and polling expert Carlton Torres. Without the Oxford comma, the sentence could be misread as suggesting that the governor’s most trusted advisors are economist Olivia Schneider and polling expert Carlton Torres, implying only two people are involved.
AP Style vs. Chicago Style: A Tale of Two Style Guides
It’s helpful to understand the AP Style Guide’s position in contrast to another influential style guide: The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS). CMOS, widely used in book publishing and academia, strongly advocates for the Oxford comma.
The 17th edition of the Chicago Manual of Style states: “When a conjunction joins the last two elements in a series of three or more, a comma — known as the serial or series comma or the Oxford comma — should appear before the conjunction,” and emphasizes, “Chicago strongly recommends this widely practiced usage.”
While Chicago prefers consistent use of the Oxford comma for clarity, the AP Style Guide prioritizes conciseness and generally omits it unless necessary for clarity. This difference reflects the distinct contexts in which these style guides are typically applied. AP style is geared towards journalistic writing where brevity and space are often considerations, while Chicago style is common in more formal and lengthy publications where potential ambiguity needs to be minimized.
When Clarity Dictates the Comma: Real-World Examples
The debate isn’t about blindly following or rejecting the Oxford comma; it’s about making informed decisions to ensure your writing is clear and unambiguous. Here are more examples to illustrate when the Oxford comma becomes crucial for clarity:
- Ambiguous without Oxford Comma: “I love my parents, Lady Gaga and Beyoncé.” (Are your parents Lady Gaga and Beyoncé?)
- Clear with Oxford Comma: “I love my parents, Lady Gaga, and Beyoncé.” (You love your parents, and you also love Lady Gaga and Beyoncé.)
In this case, the Oxford comma prevents a humorous but unintended interpretation. Consider another example:
- Ambiguous without Oxford Comma: “This book is dedicated to my parents, my mentors Jane Smith and John Doe.” (Are your mentors also your parents?)
- Clear with Oxford Comma: “This book is dedicated to my parents, my mentors, Jane Smith, and John Doe.” (Dedication to parents and mentors, with Jane Smith and John Doe specified as mentors or in addition to mentors).
In situations where omitting the Oxford comma could create confusion or misreading, especially with complex lists or appositives, including the Oxford comma is the recommended approach, even within AP style.
Finding the Right Balance: Consistency and Flexibility
Ultimately, the best approach to the Oxford comma is to be thoughtful and consistent. While the AP Style Guide provides a general preference, it’s crucial to prioritize clarity above rigid adherence to any single rule.
Choose a default style – either with or without the Oxford comma – and apply it consistently throughout your writing. However, always be prepared to make exceptions when omitting the Oxford comma could lead to confusion. Understanding the nuances of comma usage and prioritizing clear communication are the hallmarks of effective writing, regardless of your stance on the Oxford comma. The AP Stylebook’s message isn’t a ban nor a mandate, but a call for writers to exercise judgment and use punctuation strategically to best serve their readers.
