Comma Usage

[VictorBravo]

should that comma be omitted because its gramatically correct,

And we could start a new thread on apostrophes and spelling.

Don't tempt me, brother. I've come close several times.

I used to be an active participant on the Apostrophe Protection Society forum.

 

[Michael]

This thread turned out much more entertaining than I expected. Thanks for the input everyone.

 

[blhowes]

Yet you omitted it in that very sentence. Intentional?

Being cute, I think.

Yeah, just kidding around...or, maybe I don't have a good handle on the rules of grammar... we may never know.

---------- Post added at 06:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:47 AM ----------

And we could start a new thread on apostrophes and spelling.

 

[GulfCoast Presbyterian]

I never could spell worth a lick, and "spellcheck" has made it worse. Slop it down on paper and let the computer sort it is the new mantra. Why did I spend all that time in grade school?

 

[Micah Everett]

The Oxford comma is a fundamental of the faith. Sometimes, it makes a big difference:

Indeed, as in this case:

I would like to thank my parents, Ayn Rand, and God. (Correct, with that ever-important comma.)

OR

I would like to thank my parents, Ayn Rand and God. ("Correct" according to AP style, but ambiguous if not inadvertently blasphemous.)

Fundamental of the faith, indeed!

 

[Scottish Lass]

There is even another option: 3. Johnny put down the fork, picked up the spoon, and, proceeded to eat his soup.

I don't think so. I'm not familiar with a rule that allows for a comma after a conjunction in that way.

 

[JennyG]

Originally Posted by CalvinandHodges
There is even another option: 3. Johnny put down the fork, picked up the spoon, and, proceeded to eat his soup.
I don't think so. I'm not familiar with a rule that allows for a comma after a conjunction in that way.

certainly not! that really would be on a par with Eats, shoots, and leaves

 

[LawrenceU]

There is even another option: 3. Johnny put down the fork, picked up the spoon, and, proceeded to eat his soup.

I don't think so. I'm not familiar with a rule that allows for a comma after a conjunction in that way.

Nope, never heard of that one.

 

[JennyG]

The Oxford comma is a fundamental of the faith. Sometimes, it makes a big difference:

Indeed, as in this case:

I would like to thank my parents, Ayn Rand, and God. (Correct, with that ever-important comma.)

OR

I would like to thank my parents, Ayn Rand and God. ("Correct" according to AP style, but ambiguous if not inadvertently blasphemous.)

Fundamental of the faith, indeed!

with the possibility of a solecism of that kind looming, I think personally I wouldn't leave it all up to the humble comma, but go for a belt-and-braces approach, something like:
...firstly my parents, secondly Ayn Rand, but of course most importantly,....

 

[Mushroom]

I still remember my second grade teacher telling us that while many in that day (1966) were dispensing with the Oxford comma, she preferred its use. Since I really liked my second grade teacher, I have done so, thinking of her nearly every time I do.

 

[he beholds]

The Oxford comma is a fundamental of the faith. Sometimes, it makes a big difference:

Indeed, as in this case:

I would like to thank my parents, Ayn Rand, and God. (Correct, with that ever-important comma.)

OR

I would like to thank my parents, Ayn Rand and God. ("Correct" according to AP style, but ambiguous if not inadvertently blasphemous.)

Fundamental of the faith, indeed!

That is a great example. I had fun reading the first sentence just knowing where you were going with it.

There is even another option: 3. Johnny put down the fork, picked up the spoon, and, proceeded to eat his soup.

I don't think so. I'm not familiar with a rule that allows for a comma after a conjunction in that way.

The commas flanking "and" actually confuse me. Now I have no idea what you are saying with that and. What is the intended function of and in that sentence?

 

[PatrickTMcWilliams]

Am I in favor of using the Oxford comma? Yes, yes, and yes!

 

[Michael]

There is even another option: 3. Johnny put down the fork, picked up the spoon, and, proceeded to eat his soup.

Hey Rob. Your 3rd option is really, REALLY bothering my wife. Not sure that she will be able to sleep well tonight. Just thought you should know.

 

[Skyler]

(Or, as will sadly be correct some day, "to each their own." Ugg!)

Technically, that is correct today and has been since Shakespeare.

 

[Scottish Lass]

(Or, as will sadly be correct some day, "to each their own." Ugg!)

Technically, that is correct today and has been since Shakespeare.

Again, not on the SAT/ACT or AP tests. Not that these are be all, end all, but students are still expected to know to match singular pronouns, referents, antecedents, etc.

 

[CalvinandHodges]

Hi:

The use that I have proposed above is archaic - particularly used by Chaucer, Shakespeare, and the Puritans whose works have not been updated. The general use of the comma is to create a pause when reading - which is also the functions of the semi-colon and the colon as well (which are stronger pauses). Writing is an attempt to reproduce speaking. The setting off of "and" in commas was to put the emphasis on the word: Johnny put down his fork, picked up his spoon - and - proceeded to eat his soup.

Hope this clears things up.

Blessings,

Rob

 

[jennywigg]

As a copy editor, I beg you to use the Oxford comma. For the love of Pete, use it, man!

 

[timmopussycat]

I always use the cereal comma.

If you do, you will be in commatose condition!