How to Use the Serial Comma (Oxford Comma) | English Punctuation Rules | ESL Writing Essentials

What is the serial or Oxford comma? In this lesson, you'll learn how to use the serial comma when writing in English. There is much debate on whether or not the Oxford comma is necessary, but I will show you why the Oxford comma is important. It can help clear up ambiguity in sentences and prevent a lot of confusion.

In this lesson, you'll learn what the serial/Oxford comma is, how to use it, whether or not it is required, and how exactly it can clear up confusion.

At the end of the lesson, we'll have a practice session where you add in serial comma in several sentences.

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:43 - What is the Oxford/Serial Comma?
02:44 - Is the Serial Comma Required?
04:37 - Why the Oxford Comma is Important
05:11 - Examples of the Oxford Comma in Use
07:09 - Practice Using the Oxford Comma

My English Writing Essentials Series:

#esl​ #learnenglish​ #commarules​ #punctuation​ #sparkleenglish #grammar #oxfordcomma #serialcomma

[SparkleEnglish]

My English Writing Essentials Series:

[rudythapa]

You have a very creative, imaginative, and humorous examples. Darth Vader and Harry Potter. Lady Gaga and Elvis. Can't beat it!

[carlsutherland]

You should have a hundred million views!
I love your teaching style.

[teerthatamang]

The most clear and correct info on the topic. Thank you very much indeed

[kidstoysdrawings]

You deserve to have million views, likes, and subscribers.

[mero]

Simply, you are amazing!
Thanks alot for your effort. I just finished the whole punctuation series . Seriously, i can not thank you enough.

[johnfromleeds]

I've always hated the Oxford comma but I never knew why its use was deemed important. I found this a clear explanation. However, I'll continue to not use it. If I ever come across this problem I now know to add them throughout the whole document. Thank you. I will be watching more of your videos.

[dariusclovis]

The graphics, the content, and voice-quality are excellent.

[BB-yrmd]

Thanks for this explanation. As native speakers we take a lot for granted (I've never heard of the serial comma), we were just taught not to use a comma before the preposition (I finished school a long time ago 😉). I would love to teach adults general / functional English but find it difficult to explain grammar because I've never had to think about it so I find your videos extremely helpful. I also appreciate your soothing and patient tone of voice which I think is conducive to learning. 🤗🙌🌟👩‍🎓

[gregoriopalofuego]

I wrote a cosmically incredible illustrated children's book, which I feel is the best in the history of the world. However, I had a few snobby Mensa type individuals try and critique it to inflate their egos- certainly not to help me with my grammer.
They said, and I will quote them; "You don't put a comma before 'and' in a sentence."
I said; "Yes you do, to create a pause."

Thank you so much for the clarification. Your video is concise, with excellent details, and I truly appreciate being vindicated.
Oh, if you are curious what the name of my/our masterpiece illustrated children's book is, it's:
Triggy and the Gift
🐇

[loveyourland]

Lol!! I loved this video!! As a transcription services business owner, I appreciate this more than you know, and I will definitely be sharing it with those on my team who can use a better explanation of the importance of the Oxford comma than I’ve been able to provide. Thanks!! :)

[emilioinocentes]

Hello again. Your grammar videos are a big help to me for reviewing my continuous English learning

[amrathassan]

Lucid style of teaching.
Quite brief and informative.

[kishorwaze]

From the discussion it is advisable to make it a habit to use oxford comma. Thank you very much for the clarification with examples.

[ArtemHahauz-nmbk]

I, personally, decide to use the Harverd comma anyway; who has the same position as me, like my comment!
Thank you so much, Sparcle!
I wish that you have a million subscribers; I literally feel your cheerful energy!
Regards from Ukraine

[JakirHossain-stuz]

This is outstanding thing I have come across.

[kingshamophilippines]

The best explanation, I will surely share this with my son and niece.

[SanjanaChakraborty-epwe]

Your videos are an absolute gem. Thank you so much for helping me. I love this series :)

[saichamakura]

Thank U for your help, it is really helpful as am currently preparing for 11+.My final exam is in 2 weeks.

[paulhart]

I think this highlights the difference between American English and British English. In the Uk we don’t usually use the Oxford comma before ‘and’ in a list.