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Is the serial comma always necessary?

Poll closed May 12, 2014.
  1. Yes, all the time.

    0 vote(s)
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  2. Only in cases to avoid ambiguity.

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  3. Never.

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
Multiple votes are allowed.
  1. dillseed

    dillseed Active Member

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    Serial comma always necessary?

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by dillseed, May 5, 2014.

    Is the serial comma always necessary?
     
  2. thirdwind

    thirdwind Member Contest Administrator Reviewer Contributor

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    It's not necessary, though I use it for clarity. The Chicago Manual of Style, which is what most publishers use, recommends using a serial comma.
     
  3. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

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    in fiction, most comma usage is optional, subject to the will/whim of the author...

    if you're a 'name' you can do what you like and get away with it... if you're an unknown newbie, editors may impose their will upon yours...
     

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