Question

Kindly explain when, how or why an Oxford Comma should be used.​

Answer 1

Answer:

Good question. We don't use Oxford comma much and many of us don't know what it is.

For the usual written communication the punctuation mark comma doesn't seem very relevant.

But an Oxford comma can become a huge issue especially in subjects relating to legal matters. For instance, a deceased person left his last will dividing his properties among his children. His will may state that "My properties shall be divided equally among my children AA, BB, CC, DD and EE."

The argument will be on what he meant by that. Will the property be divided equally in 4 or 5? portion?

1. AA share

2. BB share

3. CC share

4. DD and 5. EE share

or

1. AA

2. BB

3. CC

4. DD

5. EE

There would have been no confusion or argument if he wrote his will with an Oxford comma. "My properties shall be divided equally among my children AA, BB, CC, DD, and EE."

The comma between DD and EE mean all his children will get equal shares. I think we should use Oxford comma in every written communication.

Answer 2

Answer:

It is used to clearly define a group of people or things and avoid any confusion especially in legal matters.