Friday Feature: A Special Comma

[theemdash]

I'm doing a pinch hit this week. The writer for the planned feature has come down with a case of the Real Life, so I'm cobbling this together at the last minute. Thankfully, I'm well-versed in the topic at hand. Are you?

Poll A Special Comma

Comments

[tejas]

I said I don't use the serial comma at all. I thought I'd also say that I *do* watch for the ambiguity or confusion that can result and use rewording to resolve it. Interestingly enough, when I was in elementary school in the 60s (in Texas, btw), we were taught to NOT use a serial comma at all. We were told it was archaic, but I couldn't say now how the textbooks dealt with it.

As to the excellent "punch line" point above, I'd avoid the problem by using "&" instead of "and" in "macaroni & cheese". :-)

[erinm_4600]

personally, I would consider the comma wrong and remove it...

but that's me :)

[aurora_novarum]

I was taught to always use it (in grammar/elementary school in the seventies). But I will watch for clarity as well.

[laurie_ky]

good post.
Laurie