Definition of Oxford comma with examples for English language learners

📚 What is the Oxford Comma?

The Oxford comma, also known as the serial comma, is the comma placed before the conjunction (usually 'and', 'or', or 'nor') in a list of three or more items. Its use is a matter of style and sometimes affects clarity.

Quick Study Guide

• 🍎 Definition: The Oxford comma is the last comma in a list of three or more items.
• ✅ Usage: It's placed before 'and', 'or', or 'nor'.
• 🤔 Purpose: To clarify meaning and avoid ambiguity.
• 💡 Style Guide: Some style guides (like AP) omit it, while others (like Chicago) recommend it.
• 📝 Example: I love my parents, Lady Gaga, and Humayun Saeed.

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following sentences correctly uses the Oxford comma?

   1. I like to eat burgers fries and pizza.
   2. I like to eat burgers, fries and pizza.
   3. I like to eat burgers, fries, and pizza.
   4. I like to eat burgers fries, and pizza.

2. What is another name for the Oxford comma?

   1. Harvard Comma
   2. Serial Comma
   3. Grammar Comma
   4. List Comma

3. In which sentence is the Oxford comma optional, but recommended for clarity?

   1. I invited James, Sarah and Tom.
   2. I invited James, Sarah, and Tom.
   3. I invited James Sarah and Tom.
   4. I invited James Sarah, and Tom.

4. Which style guide generally omits the Oxford comma?

   1. MLA
   2. Chicago
   3. APA
   4. AP

5. Choose the sentence where omitting the Oxford comma changes the meaning:

   1. We invited the strippers, JFK and Stalin.
   2. We invited the strippers JFK and Stalin.
   3. We invited the strippers, JFK, and Stalin.
   4. We invited the strippers JFK, and Stalin.

6. What is the purpose of using the Oxford comma?

   1. To confuse the reader
   2. To add length to the sentence
   3. To clarify meaning and avoid ambiguity
   4. To replace other commas

7. Which of the following sentences does NOT need an Oxford comma?

   1. I need milk, eggs, and bread.
   2. I need milk and eggs.
   3. I need milk, eggs, or cheese.
   4. I need milk, eggs, butter, and cheese.