Oxford comma: right or wrong?

[sweetoof_11]

I use the oxford comma, but only because I've been taught to do so. I suppose no one can really say whether using it is right or wrong. It depends on each individual's preference.  

[CCubed]

I don't think it matters either way. Whether you say "I like coke, ice cream, and cookies" or you say "I like coke, ice cream and cookies." The only difference is in the pausing. The Oxford comma adds a pause to the phrase and makes it a little slower while not having it makes the last part quite quick. Thus, I believe that both are acceptable, because they both offer a literary element that could benefit the author. For instance, at the end of a poem, I would use the Oxford comma to add greater influence to the list, however, if I was comparing a product and listing the different manufacturers, I would probaly leave it out in lieu of the fact that the maker isn't worth dwelling on, what matters is the comparison between the products.  

[DarkElf27]

I use it, but either way is grammatically correct.  

[Harimad-Sol Lin]

I love commas, so I use it. As DarkElf27 posted, technically, it's grammatically correct with or without it. I like the way it looks personally.

Commas are fun. rofl  

[s0prano42_x3]

I'm in favor of it, but over the years I've been told different things from different teachers.  

[Aithera]

H-E-I-N-O-U-S

The examples I always heard were:
-I like cookies, candy, cake, and ice cream. (Where each food is a different item.)
-I like cookies, candy, cake and ice cream. (Where cake and ice cream are one item.)

Of course, now that I think about it, it would be clearer to insert 'and' before 'cake'.

For the second example, where cake and ice cream is one single item, wouldn't you say "I like cookies, candy, and cake and ice cream"?

I would use the Oxford comma there, because "I like cookies, candy and cake and ice cream" just looks weird. But other than strange examples like that, I don't often use it.

Of course, with the example 'cake and ice cream', which aren't usually put together as one item, it's probably very confusing. I think my brain just blew a fuse. Sorry if this post makes no sense at all. I don't think well at night.  

[Bladeglory]

I know about putting a comma before "and" in a list, but I never knew it was called an Oxford comma. I don't think I've ever used this, but I guess I should try it, because it does change things a bit.  

[Natsuri]

Roguemagus

I prefer the Oxford comma. It's comfortable, stylish and useful.

ACK.

In written language, yes. But spoken language need not put emphasis on the Oxford comma. That is, at least, how I would approach the matter.  

[s0prano42_x3]

I just asked my boyfriend today. He said that the Oxford (capitalized?) comma doesn't exist. They did away with it because publishers didn't want to pay for the extra comma when publishing their millions of books.

...I still like it.  

[Holy Smuckwaffen]

I prefer the Oxford Comma. That's the way I was taught and one teacher once took me aside and told me I was incorrect. Whereas my other teachers will get peeved if you don't use it.

I just figure, it's like "I like tunnels, trains, bubbles, flowers, and goats."

Whereas if you put "I like tunnels, trains, bubbles, flowers and goats."

It seems to me as if the "flower and goats" part becomes one thing. That's the only reason I use it. That, and I feel it looks better.

EDIT: Also, I feel it works better if you're describing places that have an 'and' in their name. Such as "I like McDonald's, Wendy's, Ben and Jerry's, and Sonic."

Make sense?

 

[Cherry Choo]

Holy Smuckmuffins!

I prefer the Oxford Comma. That's the way I was taught and one teacher once took me aside and told me I was incorrect. Whereas my other teachers will get peeved if you don't use it.

I just figure, it's like "I like tunnels, trains, bubbles, flowers, and goats."

Whereas if you put "I like tunnels, trains, bubbles, flowers and goats."

It seems to me as if the "flower and goats" part becomes one thing. That's the only reason I use it. That, and I feel it looks better.

EDIT: Also, I feel it works better if you're describing places that have an 'and' in their name. Such as "I like McDonald's, Wendy's, Ben and Jerry's, and Sonic."

Make sense?

I agree with how the words seem to merge if you don't use the oxford comma, although I'm more comfortable typing a list without the use of it.