[Context: I was asked on a recent job application to do the following: “In 500 words or fewer, write a structured argument to support your most unpopular opinion.” I now present to you my exactly-500-word manifesto:]
Use of the Oxford, or serial, comma should be mandatory in grammatically correct sentences. Opponents claim that it is a “waste of space,” “redundant,” and “unnecessary.” These individuals contend that the use of the Oxford comma should no longer be taught in schools or used in publications, calling it nonessential. On the contrary, the use of an Oxford comma is indeed essential in a sentence with listed items; it brings the sentence balance, clarity, and rhythm.
Grammatically correct sentence structure demands balance. Subjects and verbs must agree; a phrase such as “not only” should be followed by its counterpart “but also.” The Oxford comma brings balance to a sentence containing a list of three or more words or phrases by providing a comma between each listed item. Removing the serial comma unbalances the sentence structure, causing it to lump together two of the listed items. Consider the following sentence:
“I like apples, oranges, and bananas.”
Each serial item is separated by its own punctuation mark. If we were to remove the serial comma in this sentence, “oranges and bananas” would become its own phrase rather than two distinct entities in the list. Bereft of their separator, the final two listed items upset the balance of the sentence.
Let us consider another sentence—one that commonly demonstrates the clarity the Oxford comma brings:
“He met with Nelson Mandela, an 800-year-old demi-god and a dildo collector.”
Without its serial comma, the sentence implies that Nelson Mandela is an 800-year-old demigod who collects dildos. Now, let us consider the sentence again, this time with the Oxford comma in its proper place:
“He met with Nelson Mandela, an 800-year-old demi-god, and a dildo collector.”
Now the sentence is clear; the man is meeting with three distinct persons, only one of whom is Nelson Mandela.
Finally, the Oxford comma provides a soothing rhythm within a serial sentence. After each listed item is a gentle beat—a brief pause, as each comma in turn indicates. Here is an example of another sentence utilizing a serial comma:
“My favorite colors are purple, black, red, and blue.”
Try reading the sentence with a poignant pause at each comma. It sounds like this:
Purple (beat) black (beat) red (beat) and blue.
The rhythm flows; the beats line up between each listed item. Consider reading the sentence without the serial comma:
Purple (beat) black (beat) red and blue.
See how the last two items jumble up at the end, throwing off the rhythm of the sentence?
In summary, the Oxford comma is a necessary punctuation mark that balances the sentence, clarifies the meaning of each word or phrase, and perfectly captures the flowing rhythm of a grammatically correct serialized sentence. Calling for the Oxford comma to be deemed essential across all style guides may be seen as an unpopular opinion; however, when looking at the different facets and benefits of the punctuation mark, the correct answer is clear. The Oxford comma should always be used in articles, books, and journals.
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