Comments on: When does AP condone the serial comma?

By: 1rabella

1rabella — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:20:40 +0000

The serial comma really does clarify meaning sometimes. Its use never impairs meaning, while leaving it out can.

However, the trend of the last few decades has been toward increasingly simple sentences with a minimum of punctuation and I don’t see that trend changing. I used to enjoy writing fairly complex sentences but our style has evolved to shorter and less complex ones to make them easier to read.

It’s still a matter of style, though. Some style guides still recommend the serial comma so if you want to use it, adhere to that style. In business writing, though, I think AP style dominates.

By: Meandyou

Meandyou — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:24:01 +0000

I am like WhatIs in that I cling to the extra comma. Partly because I was taught that way. But mainly, I think, because I do not like exceptions. The old rule was to use it. The new rule is to use it sometimes. If that comma is always present then one does not have to stop and consider if the conjunction is part of the over all sentence or only a part of a shorter phrase. I believe the old rule allowed for easier reading.

Steve

By: Ira2005

Ira2005 — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:27:27 +0000

This comma used to irritate me a lot. It still does, as much as the misplaced apostrophe! Nevertheless, thanks for the explanation. I will try not to get irritated.