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Whitman Wire

Vol. CLIV, Issue 6
Whitman news since 1896

Whitman Wire

Whitman news since 1896

Whitman Wire

Letter to the editor: In defense of Oxford commas

 

To the Editor,

As one who cares about punctuation, syntax, and clarity, I was disappointed to see The Pioneer alter my direct quote to remove a cherished comma. In the recent article on Ultimate frisbee, I had stated that Ultimate often has the fallacious perception of being “laid back, frivolous, or hippy-ish.” Yet in the printed article, the punctuation after the word frivolous––what is known as the serial, Harvard, or Oxford comma––was omitted. Though I understand that The Pioneer follows the journalism standards of the AP Stylebook I would like you to consider the benefits of the Oxford comma, namely its ability to reduce ambiguity, match the cadence of spoken word, and please your readers.

 

The Oxford comma provides imperative clarity in the viral online post, “We invited the strippers, JFK, and Stalin.” Without it, an unfortunate scenario becomes apparent: “We invited the strippers, JFK and Stalin.” Hence, I would like all readers to recognize that while The Pioneer may not be able to use the Oxford comma in their journalism, it is a linguistic tool that prevents misinterpretation, adds fluidity, and saves us from regrettable party decisions.

 

(I have used the Oxford comma six times in this letter; it would be a disgrace to have it published without them. Your move, Pio.)

 

Natalie Jamerson
Class of 2013


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  • O

    Oxford ShmoxfordApr 3, 2012 at 2:19 pm

    Since you value “punctuation, syntax, and clarity,” I thought I’d help you in your quest.
    Your “viral online post” is not written with parallel structure.
    Not parallel: “We invited the strippers, JFK and Stalin.”
    Parallel: “We invited strippers, JFK and Stalin.”
    Parallel (but nonsensical): “We invited the strippers, the JFK and the Stalin.
    So if you’d like to make a case for your Oxford comma, you should provide a better example.
    Also, if JFK, Stalin and strippers were at my party, I’d mention them in that order for clarification. Punctuation is no solution for bad writing. I also wouldn’t use the extra comma. Oxford can keep it.
    Another thing: “Viral” posts are not the greatest educational sources. Please apply critical thinking skills – it’s why you’re here.
    One more thing: Perceptions can’t be fallacious. Perhaps I am aware of a thing one way, and you are aware of a thing another way, but there is no fallacy involved in how we perceive these things.

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