Its mobile optimized so you can use it on your desktop, laptop, smartphone or tablet. Ap stylethe style guide that newspaper reporters adhere todoes not require. Use commas to separate elements in a series, but do not put a comma. Spiralbound book, updated each spring 2019 ap stylebook. In general, magazines and newspapers discourage it in order to save ink and space but the new yorker is an exception. However, different publications may choose to break this rule, so use whichever your editor prefers. Rule 1to avoid confusion, use commas to separate words and word groups with a series of three or more. For instance, ap would use the serial comma in this sentence.
Add websters new world college dictionary for a more comprehensive resource. Before the party began, mary prepared all of the food, cleaned up the kitchen and chilled the wine. Lets take a look at how the sentences above will look written in ap style. These books are three of the best books for grammar and usage because they are reputable sources of information. Its a reference book that defines rules on grammar, spelling, punctuation and usages. In september 2017, the associated press ap released a clear, concise statement via twitter. For example, a list of three countries might be punctuated either as france, italy and spain without the. Which style guides require the use of the serial comma. Where to look when its not in the book different goals. This searchable, customizable, regularly updated version of ap stylebook offers bonus features including ask the editor, topical guides and pronunciation guide. Use of the oxford comma is stylistic, meaning that some style guides demand its use while others dont. How to use commas in associated press style pen and the pad.
Either ap style must change to meet the needs of language, or newspapers should exercise leniency with its use in the name of communication. The oxford comma is used more often in nonjournalistic prose. This week we address the serial comma, seventh in the list of the top 10 most common apa style errors as identified by onwuegbuzie, combs, slate, and frels 2010 also known as the oxford comma, the serial comma is the final comma in a list of three items or more, and it is used immediately before and, or, and occasionally nor. What follows are summaries of some of the most common style rules. The new ap stylebook will not end the oxford comma debate more the venerable style guide you know and love, or maybe love to complain about, the ap stylebook, is having a big birthday.
In some style guides, such as that of the associated press ap, the only time an. Associated press style is to use dashes, not bullets, for lists that follow a colon. Nov 12, 2019 the style guide that newspaper reporters use, ap style, doesnt require use of the oxford comma. Spell out all numbers up to 10, then use numerals after that. Writers, editors, students and public relations specialists find it. The jumper is available in green, yellow, and black and white. The oxford comma, also called a serial comma, is the last comma in a list, right before and or or. There are 11 simple rules that govern the comma in ap style. Heres a popular example of a sentence in which the absence of an oxford comma results in an inaccurate and quite humorous interpretation. Oct 02, 2011 by definition, the oxford comma is the comma used immediately before the final coordinating conjunction in a list. The oxford comma should only be used in lists of three items or more otherwise, it may give the. The associated press has a stylebook with rules and standards used primarily in journalistic and news writing. Ap style thats the associated press stylebook, which many journalists live by does not use an oxford comma. Oxford comma definition of oxford comma by the free dictionary.
However, chicago style or the chicago manual of style, which is commonly used by book publishers, academics and trade publications does require an oxford comma. A comma is used to separate an introductory clause or phrase from the main clause. However, in ap style, the oxford comma is not used, and only he hate apples, oranges and grapes is acceptable. In english language punctuation, a serial comma, or series comma also called an oxford comma or harvard comma, is a comma placed immediately before the coordinating conjunction usually and or or in a series of three or more terms. According to ap style you do not use a comma before inc. The guidelines help writers present clear and concise information with consistent structure to keep readers focused. The proper definition of the oxford comma is a comma used after the penultimate item in a list of three or more items, before and or or. For those of you unfamiliar with the associated press stylebook, its the journalists bible. The oxford comma occurs in a list of at least three items just prior to the conjunction and. In some style guides, such as that of the associated press ap, the only time an oxford comma is used is when it is necessary in order to accurately understand the sentence. Aps stance is to omit the serial comma except when it prevents misreading, and.
I ate scrambled eggs, french toast and apple juice. For example, a list of three countries might be punctuated either as france, italy and spain without the serial comma or france, italy, and spain with the. Oxford referencing style sample of cover page and other examples. It is also required by the chicago manual of style and mla style.
If the series includes internal commas that necessitate semicolons or uses a conjunction such as and, include the comma. Note, however, that the ii and 2nd are not necessarily the equivalent of junior they often are used by a grandson or nephew. The school offers courses titled arts and entertainment. The department prefers bullets, but punctuate them per ap style. Though the ap stylebook is a notable exception, most american style guides recommend using the serial comma for the sake of clarity and consistency. It is the comma used immediately before a conjunction in a series of three or more items.
In contrast, most british style guides discourage use of the serial comma unless the items in the series would be confusing without it. Heres an example of a sentence that contains a list of two items. But that doesnt mean we agree with all the ap style guides rules. Ap style rules to remember for better online writing. I devote a chapter in my book the glamour of grammar to my preference for that final comma, and now believe that ap style should now include it. The oxford comma is a hot topic among grammar enthusiasts, but how does one. His new diet prevents him from eating meat, gluten, and dairy. When he had tired of the mad pace of new york, he moved to.
No newspaper is going to be shut down because they added an oxford comma in a. The new ap stylebook will not end the oxford comma debate. That final comma before the and in a list is called an oxford comma, or serial comma. For a companys formal name, consult the national stock exchanges, the new york stock exchange. The oxford comma is a comma that falls before the word and in a list of three items or more. Aka is simpler and cleaner, and since it doesnt resemble the. While ap style is largely sound, there are a few rules that are quite subjective. What they are and how to use them site title english grammar and use are the ap associated press and chicago manuals. Apr 03, 2011 serial comma definition is a comma used to separate the secondtolast item in a list from a final item introduced by the conjunction and or or called also harvard comma, oxford comma. Although the normal style is to avoid the serial comma, use one if it is needed for clarity. Its updated throughout the year and valuable onlineonly resources, including ask the editor, topical guides and pronunciation guide, expand on the print book s guidance. Ap stylebook online is a searchable, customizable resource for writers and editors. Or more accurately, the serial comma, also known as the oxford or harvard comma depending on where youre from, which comes after the penultimate item and before a conjunction in a. This is not a style change, but a clarification because the editors noted that some writers were confused.
What is the oxford comma and why is it so important. Five updates to the 2017 associated press stylebook. The ap stylebook still recommends the comma before the final and in a simple series, but the new entry clarifies that there are instances where the oxford comma is needed for. Associated press style guide ap style the serial commaoxford commas. That missing comma is as egregious to me as a hole in the seat of john mcintyres trousers. I wonder if you really meant the oxford comma the comma before the last item. Heres an example of a sentence with the oxford comma. An oxford comma is the final comma used before an and at the end of a list and is used to avoid ambiguity. For example, the last comma in the sentence she had apple bottom jeans, boots with the fur, and the whole club looking at her is an oxford comma. The ap stylebook has a few simple rules for using quotation marks in ap style stories. Ap style, the oxford comma, and communication the daily campus.
Mar 16, 2017 or more accurately, the serial comma, also known as the oxford or harvard comma depending on where youre from, which comes after the penultimate item and before a conjunction in a series. The phrase rain gardens, porous pavements, and green roofs is written with the serial comma, while the phrase rain gardens, porous pavements and green roofs is written without it. Oxford style requires the use of the comma to avoid confusion, hence the name oxford comma. Here are a few clarifications from textbroker for where we stand on these issues. After each bullet, capitalize the first letter and use periods at the end of each item. Rule 1to avoid confusion, use commas to separate words and word groups with a series of three or more however, we will be issuing an eleventh edition of the blue book in february, where we will loosen up a bit, and allow for omission. The notation ii or 2nd may be used if it is the individuals preference. Ap stylebook, also known by its full name the associated press stylebook and briefing on media law, is an english grammar style and usage guide created by american journalists working for or connected with the associated press to standardize mass communications. By definition, the oxford comma is the comma used immediately before the final coordinating conjunction in a list. In the name of clarity, here are a few that even our toughest mgh proofreaders agree could use a revision. In ap style, omit the comma before the last item in a simple series, such as joe, john and steve. Some writing styles such as the ap style which newspaper reporters often usedoes not require the oxford comma. In mla style, either format for commas is appropriate.
Nov 16, 2011 there are 11 simple rules that govern the comma in ap style. Last week the ap updated its style guide and sortabutnotquitekilled the rule on hyphens. Serial comma definition of serial comma by merriamwebster. Ive been reading that ap is saying now that you only use the serial comma when it affects the meaning of the sentence. Include the citations you mentioned in the text in the manner offered in the examples of oxford comma ap style guide in the upcoming section. No oxford comma use semicolons for complex series one is red, white and blue. The new stylebook emphasizes that clarity is the bottom line. Ap wants hyphens to literally go the way of the oxford comma. The oxford or serial comma is the final comma in a list of things. Lets go ahead and declare it the year of the exclamation point. The 2019 edition of the associated press stylebook and briefing on media law includes more than 200 new or revised entries, with chapters covering data journalism, business, fashion, food, religion and sports terms, as well as media law, news values, punctuation, social media, polls and surveys and a new chapter on health and science. In the current edition of the blue book of grammar and punctuation and on the website, we have stated a preference for use of the serial, or oxford, comma. Mary invited peter, alice, and kate to her birthday party.
Heres a popular example of a sentence in which the absence of an oxford comma results in an. The following are simple examples that use serial commas. The definition of ap style is the grammar, capitalization and punctuation style of the associated press news agency, used by newspapers and other news and media outlets. The associated press stylebook provides an az guide to issues such as capitalization, abbreviation, punctuation, spelling, numerals and many other questions of language usage. This book is dedicated to my parents, ayn rand and god. Aug 21, 2019 though the ap stylebook is a notable exception, most american style guides recommend using the serial comma for the sake of clarity and consistency. Where did the oxford comma come from, and why is it so. Although it is sold as a guide for reporters, it has become the leading reference.
A serial comma simply means that a comma will separate each element in a series of three or more, even before the coordinating conjunctions and and before or. The oxford comma is a comma that appears before a conjunction in a list and ap style officially ignores it. Oxford comma synonyms, oxford comma pronunciation, oxford comma translation, english dictionary definition of oxford comma. Ap style the style guide that newspaper reporters adhere todoes not require. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Ap style also aims to avoid stereotypes and unintentionally offensive language. Too many periods can be clunky or confusing, especially in scientific contexts, which are often already clogged with decimal points as part of statistical notation. The oxford or serial comma is one of the more divisive parts of the english language even more so than the singular they, and it looks like the hyphen will be relegated to the same battlefield. Colon capitalize the first word after a colon only if it is a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence. No newspaper is going to be shut down because they added an oxford comma in a sentence or wrote a date incorrectly. Oxford comma definition and meaning collins english dictionary. Apr 02, 20 in the current edition of the blue book of grammar and punctuation and on the website, we have stated a preference for use of the serial, or oxford, comma. It is important to note that the ap style guide is just that. So the example i used above would read like this without the oxford comma.