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The Oxford comma

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By *hyllyphylly OP   Man
over a year ago

Bradford

Calling all Grammar Nazis, where are you on this?

If you got a text message saying, "Bring Bob, a DJ and a clown". Would you think that Bob is multi-talented or would you think that it's 3 different people?

For those who don't know, the same sentence would look like this, with the Oxford comma.... Bring Bob, a DJ, and a clown.

Here's the video from TED ED, http://youtu.be/ptM7FzyjtRk

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By *B9 QueenWoman
over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge


"Calling all Grammar Nazis, where are you on this?

If you got a text message saying, "Bring Bob, a DJ and a clown". Would you think that Bob is multi-talented or would you think that it's 3 different people?

For those who don't know, the same sentence would look like this, with the Oxford comma.... Bring Bob, a DJ, and a clown.

Here's the video from TED ED, http://youtu.be/ptM7FzyjtRk"

I was taught to use it and often, in formal writing, I still do. It is, however, quite acceptable to drop it.

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By *ath_Neil_bifunCouple
over a year ago

near cardiff

[Removed by poster at 14/02/15 18:48:58]

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By *ath_Neil_bifunCouple
over a year ago

near cardiff

Gramma iz ed wurc

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By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire

I would think you where having a child's birthday party

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By *awty MaxWoman
over a year ago

Edinburgh


"Calling all Grammar Nazis, where are you on this?

If you got a text message saying, "Bring Bob, a DJ and a clown". Would you think that Bob is multi-talented or would you think that it's 3 different people?

For those who don't know, the same sentence would look like this, with the Oxford comma.... Bring Bob, a DJ, and a clown.

Here's the video from TED ED, http://youtu.be/ptM7FzyjtRk"

I would think 3 different people.

I am French, so our rules for punctuations are different. In French, you would not need a comma in front of the 'and/et'.

Do you need a comma in front of the 'and' in your sentence in English?

Bring Bob, a DJ, and a clown.

As the 'and' is kind of a comma already

Is that too deep for a Saturday night lol

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Would it not be better to write: Bring Bob, a DJ and a clown." to request all three -

Or "Bring Bob; a DJ and a clown." to suggest Bob's talents?

The word "and" usually implies a pause, so a comma is rarely needed in addition.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'm not from Oxford. Therefore no comma.

It would read better if it said "bring Bob the Dj and clown"

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By *issHottieBottieWoman
over a year ago

Kent

I thought you shouldn't use a comma before the word and so I would of said 3 different people.

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By *ittle_brat_evie!!Woman
over a year ago

evesham

'Who gives a fuck about an oxford comma'

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By *ittle_brat_evie!!Woman
over a year ago

evesham


"I thought you shouldn't use a comma before the word and so I would of said 3 different people. "

see i was taught the other way

Rita, Bob, and Sue

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By *igeiaWoman
over a year ago

Bristol

I don't tend to use the Oxford comma personally but I have no problem with others using it. It just always seemed a grammatical tautology to me if there is an 'and' already present.

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By *B9 QueenWoman
over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge


"Calling all Grammar Nazis, where are you on this?

If you got a text message saying, "Bring Bob, a DJ and a clown". Would you think that Bob is multi-talented or would you think that it's 3 different people?

For those who don't know, the same sentence would look like this, with the Oxford comma.... Bring Bob, a DJ, and a clown.

Here's the video from TED ED, http://youtu.be/ptM7FzyjtRk

I would think 3 different people.

I am French, so our rules for punctuations are different. In French, you would not need a comma in front of the 'and/et'.

Do you need a comma in front of the 'and' in your sentence in English?

Bring Bob, a DJ, and a clown.

As the 'and' is kind of a comma already

Is that too deep for a Saturday night lol "

Without the comma it could be read as the DJ is also a clown.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I was always taught not to use one, but I do sometimes if I think it'll enhance the understanding of the sentence.

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By *B9 QueenWoman
over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge


"I was always taught not to use one, but I do sometimes if I think it'll enhance the understanding of the sentence."

Exactly. Punctuation should aid meaning and nothing else. It's not really that big a deal to use terms like 'Nazis' for those who want to take a little pride in how they write.

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By *awty MaxWoman
over a year ago

Edinburgh


"Calling all Grammar Nazis, where are you on this?

If you got a text message saying, "Bring Bob, a DJ and a clown". Would you think that Bob is multi-talented or would you think that it's 3 different people?

For those who don't know, the same sentence would look like this, with the Oxford comma.... Bring Bob, a DJ, and a clown.

Here's the video from TED ED, http://youtu.be/ptM7FzyjtRk

I would think 3 different people.

I am French, so our rules for punctuations are different. In French, you would not need a comma in front of the 'and/et'.

Do you need a comma in front of the 'and' in your sentence in English?

Bring Bob, a DJ, and a clown.

As the 'and' is kind of a comma already

Is that too deep for a Saturday night lol

Without the comma it could be read as the DJ is also a clown. "

Ah yes, Merci, I see it now, after 20 years in the UK I still learn everyday

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk

I was taught it isn't necessary but I'll use one if I think it will make the meaning of the sentence more clear, (or not using one will make it less clear).

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

I've changed my writing style since school, where this was taught and emphasised - but only as an option.

I now am somewhat sloppy and follow no standard pattern.

The Oxford comma can really help to clarify meaning. As it's only partially used it can seem a little clumsy, as it's just not standard use and commonplace.

Kids now use grammar and punctuation far less well than older people. It's a pity as confusing texts don't serve them well.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You really do have too much time on your hands if you care!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I use it for clarity, especially if my sentence construction is a bit complex and long. However most of the time I look for opportunities to reduce the complexity after initial drafting.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I use it for clarity, especially if my sentence construction is a bit complex and long. However most of the time I look for opportunities to reduce the complexity after initial drafting."

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By *londeCazWoman
over a year ago

Arse End of the Universe, Cumbria


"I use it for clarity, especially if my sentence construction is a bit complex and long. However most of the time I look for opportunities to reduce the complexity after initial drafting. "

Oooh, a grammar thread and I'm too bloody tired after 22 hours awake to be arsed thinking it through. I didn't know the term "Oxford comma" though. I may come back to it tomorrow - I might even ask Bob, a DJ and a clown (all three of them ) to help me out with it

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By *ce WingerMan
over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ


"I'm not from Oxford. Therefore no comma.

It would read better if it said "bring Bob the Dj and clown""

This might imply that Bob's already there and he needs a DJ and a clown

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By *andS66Couple
over a year ago

Derby

I've always thought that the person who came up with the sign "SLOW MEN WORKING" for roadworks was very observant.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Please bring the following items:

1) Bob

2) DJ

3) Clown

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By *ost SockMan
over a year ago

West Wales and Cardiff

I'm a geek when it comes to the English language (yeah, I know - nothing women like better than a man obsessed with apostrophes). My job used to involve helping others with it.

I spent years thinking you never put a comma before before "and". Looking at the guides though, it's simply not true.

I don't use the Oxford Comma much, but it can definitely aid understanding. I changed to using commas all the time when "and" is used as a conjunction though, as the rule always states that the joining word should be preceded by a comma. Still feels naughty though

I assume all the women reading this are horny as hell after reading that.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Never use the Oxford comma as it seems wholly redundant to me. As for your initial point I would use a hyphen if I wanted to show Bob was multi talented: Bob - a DJ and clown - .....

Otherwise three different people: Bob, a DJ and clown.....

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

The kids were telling us about punctuation king fu last night (very funny but they can name and use punctuation so it seems to work).

I'll admit to being inconsistent as I might sometimes use the comma after the and as well as using the and as the separator.

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound


"I'm a geek when it comes to the English language (yeah, I know - nothing women like better than a man obsessed with apostrophes). My job used to involve helping others with it.

I spent years thinking you never put a comma before before "and". Looking at the guides though, it's simply not true.

I don't use the Oxford Comma much, but it can definitely aid understanding. I changed to using commas all the time when "and" is used as a conjunction though, as the rule always states that the joining word should be preceded by a comma. Still feels naughty though

I assume all the women reading this are horny as hell after reading that."

I am.

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By *ost SockMan
over a year ago

West Wales and Cardiff


"I'm a geek when it comes to the English language (yeah, I know - nothing women like better than a man obsessed with apostrophes). My job used to involve helping others with it.

I spent years thinking you never put a comma before before "and". Looking at the guides though, it's simply not true.

I don't use the Oxford Comma much, but it can definitely aid understanding. I changed to using commas all the time when "and" is used as a conjunction though, as the rule always states that the joining word should be preceded by a comma. Still feels naughty though

I assume all the women reading this are horny as hell after reading that.

I am."

Ah fantastic. If you fancy some filthy chat about semi-colons, I'm your man. You'll be soaked in no time

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By *ifferMan
over a year ago

Stow

Punctuation kills:

Let's eat, grandma....

Or

Let's eat Grandma!

Don't you just love the English language.

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By *ost SockMan
over a year ago

West Wales and Cardiff


"Punctuation kills:

Let's eat, grandma....

Or

Let's eat Grandma!

Don't you just love the English language. "

Definitely

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Please bring the following items:

1) Bob

2) DJ

3) Clown"

I'd reword the sentence to clarify.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I was taught not to put the comma in front of the word and, so it is three different people

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By *ost SockMan
over a year ago

West Wales and Cardiff


"I was taught not to put the comma in front of the word and, so it is three different people "

I was taught that too - but all the guides I've ever read say it's fine.

There'd be a real inconsistency with conjunctions if you couldn't, because both elements of the comma+ conjunction structure is a very important for joining sentences.

I reckon that last sentence has pushed Lickety into ecstasy.

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By *erbyDalesCplCouple
over a year ago

Derbyshire


"

For those who don't know, the same sentence would look like this, with the Oxford comma.... Bring Bob, a DJ, and a clown.

"

Technically even this could be ambiguous. The commas may simply be parenthesising 'a DJ', so it could still be either one or two people:

Bring Bob (a DJ) and a clown or

Bring Bob, who is a DJ and a clown.

If you want three, try:

Please bring the following three people: Bob, a DJ and a clown. (Could use a ';' instead of the ',' if you prefer.

Or did you want a Dinner Jacket?

Either way I'd suggest any lady mailing that request is probably a little too kinky and demanding for us, I suggest you block and move on

Mr ddc

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

no comma required when the word and is in place -

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By *ost SockMan
over a year ago

West Wales and Cardiff


"no comma required when the word and is in place - "

See I grew up thinking that, but the books tell you that if you have two complete sentences and you want to join them (as opposed to using a full stop or semi-colon), the proper way is to use a conjunction ("and" being one option) AND a comma.

I'm getting way to into this now

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound


"no comma required when the word and is in place -

See I grew up thinking that, but the books tell you that if you have two complete sentences and you want to join them (as opposed to using a full stop or semi-colon), the proper way is to use a conjunction ("and" being one option) AND a comma.

I'm getting way to into this now "

Keep going! A few more and I'll be there.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

We were taught to use a comma as a place to take a breath. I tend to use commas a lot,unless I'm in a lazy mood or tired.

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By *afadaoMan
over a year ago

Staines


"'Who gives a fuck about an oxford comma' "

I've seen those English dramas too - They're cruel

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"no comma required when the word and is in place -

See I grew up thinking that, but the books tell you that if you have two complete sentences and you want to join them (as opposed to using a full stop or semi-colon), the proper way is to use a conjunction ("and" being one option) AND a comma.

I'm getting way to into this now "

really want to ask my daughter as she is doing an english degree in language and literature - cant show her this lot though

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound


"no comma required when the word and is in place -

See I grew up thinking that, but the books tell you that if you have two complete sentences and you want to join them (as opposed to using a full stop or semi-colon), the proper way is to use a conjunction ("and" being one option) AND a comma.

I'm getting way to into this now

really want to ask my daughter as she is doing an english degree in language and literature - cant show her this lot though "

Show her the Ted Talks link or just ask what she knows about the Oxford Comma. For me, please, can you ask her if she knows about punctuation kung fu too?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Whilst people get uptight about grammar, punctuation etc, getting it right provides clarity. Many a message has been misinterpreted as a result.

I would meet a lady willing to help her Uncle Jack off a horse. I would be less willing to meet a lady willing to help her uncle jack off a horse.

Not a Nazi, I just appreciate plain English.

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound


"Whilst people get uptight about grammar, punctuation etc, getting it right provides clarity. Many a message has been misinterpreted as a result.

I would meet a lady willing to help her Uncle Jack off a horse. I would be less willing to meet a lady willing to help her uncle jack off a horse.

Not a Nazi, I just appreciate plain English."

Spot the deliberate error?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Whilst people get uptight about grammar, punctuation etc, getting it right provides clarity. Many a message has been misinterpreted as a result.

I would meet a lady willing to help her Uncle Jack off a horse. I would be less willing to meet a lady willing to help her uncle jack off a horse.

Not a Nazi, I just appreciate plain English.

Spot the deliberate error? "
bestiality being illegal?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Whilst people get uptight about grammar, punctuation etc, getting it right provides clarity. Many a message has been misinterpreted as a result.

I would meet a lady willing to help her Uncle Jack off a horse. I would be less willing to meet a lady willing to help her uncle jack off a horse.

Not a Nazi, I just appreciate plain English.

Spot the deliberate error? bestiality being illegal? "

They could be working on a Stud Farm and collecting a sample?

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

Bring Bob a d.j and a clown. ( bring one person with two talents )

Bring Bob - a d.j and a clown. ( Fetch for bob two people )

Bring - Bob, a d.j. and a clown. ( bring three people with you )

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Calling all Grammar Nazis, where are you on this?

If you got a text message saying, "Bring Bob, a DJ and a clown". Would you think that Bob is multi-talented or would you think that it's 3 different people?

For those who don't know, the same sentence would look like this, with the Oxford comma.... Bring Bob, a DJ, and a clown.

Here's the video from TED ED, http://youtu.be/ptM7FzyjtRk

I would think 3 different people.

I am French, so our rules for punctuations are different. In French, you would not need a comma in front of the 'and/et'.

Do you need a comma in front of the 'and' in your sentence in English?

Bring Bob, a DJ, and a clown.

As the 'and' is kind of a comma already

Is that too deep for a Saturday night lol "

I agree with this viewpoint, no comma if and is used.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I was always taught not to use one, but I do sometimes if I think it'll enhance the understanding of the sentence.

Exactly. Punctuation should aid meaning and nothing else. It's not really that big a deal to use terms like 'Nazis' for those who want to take a little pride in how they write. "

I agree with the above but in this particular cade I think the comma IS neede to emphasise the separateness of the clown and DJ as it forces a break in the flow of readingor speaking the sentence

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Calling all Grammar Nazis, where are you on this?

If you got a text message saying, "Bring Bob, a DJ and a clown". Would you think that Bob is multi-talented or would you think that it's 3 different people?

For those who don't know, the same sentence would look like this, with the Oxford comma.... Bring Bob, a DJ, and a clown.

Here's the video from TED ED, http://youtu.be/ptM7FzyjtRk"

Personally, I tend to not use it before the word and as it's almost fulfilling the comma purpose anyhoo. Not all the time however.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

If you need an Oxford comma you haven't constructed the sentence very well

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"no comma required when the word and is in place -

See I grew up thinking that, but the books tell you that if you have two complete sentences and you want to join them (as opposed to using a full stop or semi-colon), the proper way is to use a conjunction ("and" being one option) AND a comma.

I'm getting way to into this now

really want to ask my daughter as she is doing an english degree in language and literature - cant show her this lot though

Show her the Ted Talks link or just ask what she knows about the Oxford Comma. For me, please, can you ask her if she knows about punctuation kung fu too?

"

i texted her about the comma - and she asked me if i was d*unk haha - she says dont stress over it - i asked her if she uses it - she says subconciously occasionally - she also says only really if its to be read out as she has used it in script writing but it should be unnecessary - so from someone heading for a good 2:1 of hopefully a first in her english degree i shall just be happy that i have learnt something new today

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Being a thick fucker, who went to Cambridge, i wouldn't know.

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By *ost SockMan
over a year ago

West Wales and Cardiff


"We were taught to use a comma as a place to take a breath. I tend to use commas a lot,unless I'm in a lazy mood or tired. "

I learnt it was to take a breath, but it's not right. That way lies utter, utter madness.

I spent 15 years in a job where I supported students with their English and checked their work. The idea that it was a breath was the most common reason why they'd spray commas around and create comma splices everywhere.

I loathe the comma splice - it's the work of the devil.

There are actually different types of commas e.g. gapping commas, joining commas etc. Each has a very specific function and set circumstances in which they are used. Taking a breath is far too vague.

Licketysplits - I assume you're gushing like a Yellowstone geyser after reading that

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound


"We were taught to use a comma as a place to take a breath. I tend to use commas a lot,unless I'm in a lazy mood or tired.

I learnt it was to take a breath, but it's not right. That way lies utter, utter madness.

I spent 15 years in a job where I supported students with their English and checked their work. The idea that it was a breath was the most common reason why they'd spray commas around and create comma splices everywhere.

I loathe the comma splice - it's the work of the devil.

There are actually different types of commas e.g. gapping commas, joining commas etc. Each has a very specific function and set circumstances in which they are used. Taking a breath is far too vague.

Licketysplits - I assume you're gushing like a Yellowstone geyser after reading that "

Gapping comma did it.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Funny how the rules for full stops, periods, are much simpler than for the variety of commas.

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By *aitinkCouple
over a year ago

York

One could always argue that these should be semi-colons.

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By *aitinkCouple
over a year ago

York


"We were taught to use a comma as a place to take a breath. I tend to use commas a lot,unless I'm in a lazy mood or tired.

I learnt it was to take a breath, but it's not right. That way lies utter, utter madness.

I spent 15 years in a job where I supported students with their English and checked their work. The idea that it was a breath was the most common reason why they'd spray commas around and create comma splices everywhere.

I loathe the comma splice - it's the work of the devil.

There are actually different types of commas e.g. gapping commas, joining commas etc. Each has a very specific function and set circumstances in which they are used. Taking a breath is far too vague.

Licketysplits - I assume you're gushing like a Yellowstone geyser after reading that "

If it were to take a breath neither the French nor some of my more voluble relatives would ever use one.

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By *rcticFoxxxWoman
over a year ago

Hereabouts


"Calling all Grammar Nazis, where are you on this?

If you got a text message saying, "Bring Bob, a DJ and a clown". Would you think that Bob is multi-talented or would you think that it's 3 different people?

For those who don't know, the same sentence would look like this, with the Oxford comma.... Bring Bob, a DJ, and a clown.

Here's the video from TED ED, http://youtu.be/ptM7FzyjtRk"

I'd say it's 3 people. If I was saying Bob was a DJ and a clown I'd probably write 'bring Bob; a dj and a clown' although that's probably wrong

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Would it not be better to write: Bring Bob, a DJ and a clown." to request all three -

Or "Bring Bob; a DJ and a clown." to suggest Bob's talents?

The word "and" usually implies a pause, so a comma is rarely needed in addition.

"

This!

Who says that Oxford or the Queen, for that matter, are correct anyway?

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By *ost SockMan
over a year ago

West Wales and Cardiff


"We were taught to use a comma as a place to take a breath. I tend to use commas a lot,unless I'm in a lazy mood or tired.

I learnt it was to take a breath, but it's not right. That way lies utter, utter madness.

I spent 15 years in a job where I supported students with their English and checked their work. The idea that it was a breath was the most common reason why they'd spray commas around and create comma splices everywhere.

I loathe the comma splice - it's the work of the devil.

There are actually different types of commas e.g. gapping commas, joining commas etc. Each has a very specific function and set circumstances in which they are used. Taking a breath is far too vague.

Licketysplits - I assume you're gushing like a Yellowstone geyser after reading that

Gapping comma did it.

"

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By *erbyDalesCplCouple
over a year ago

Derbyshire


"We were taught to use a comma as a place to take a breath. I tend to use commas a lot,unless I'm in a lazy mood or tired. "

That tends to be how I use them, though when sending dirty messages I tend to capitalise my commas to denote more heavy breaths...

Mr ddc

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"One could always argue that these should be semi-colons."

my thoughts too - or a completely new separate sentence

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound


"One could always argue that these should be semi-colons.

my thoughts too - or a completely new separate sentence "

Take it up with OUP.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Isn't it a list. You drop the comma and put in and before the last item on the list. Go to the shop and get fags, beer and condoms.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Never use the Oxford comma as it seems wholly redundant to me. As for your initial point I would use a hyphen if I wanted to show Bob was multi talented: Bob - a DJ and clown - .....

Otherwise three different people: Bob, a DJ and clown....."

This is right. Basically the Oxford comma can be replaced by more accurate punctuation.

Bring Bob. A DJ and a clown.

Pretty clear

Bring Bob - a DJ and a clown

Clear again

We reckon the Oxford comma is only used for deliberate ambiguity, basically when the person asking for Bob, a Dj and the clown doesn't really mind what they get so happily asks for everything

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Calling all Grammar Nazis, where are you on this?

If you got a text message saying, "Bring Bob, a DJ and a clown". Would you think that Bob is multi-talented or would you think that it's 3 different people?

For those who don't know, the same sentence would look like this, with the Oxford comma.... Bring Bob, a DJ, and a clown.

Here's the video from TED ED, http://youtu.be/ptM7FzyjtRk"

as a professional editor - the first way is 3 people - the second (as it's wrapped in commas) is indicating his profession - don't you just hate a smart arse

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By *eanut Butter CupWoman
over a year ago

B & M Bargains

I do hope Mr ///// Man reads this thread

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Would it not be better to write: Bring Bob, a DJ and a clown." to request all three -

Or "Bring Bob; a DJ and a clown." to suggest Bob's talents?

The word "and" usually implies a pause, so a comma is rarely needed in addition.

"

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It is incorrect grammar to have a comma before "and" in any kind of list.

The first comma States it is 3 separate people.

Bring Bob; a DJ and a clown would be the correct way to indicate that Bob is multi tasking.

The "Oxford" comma is just bad grammar.

Being from South of Watford though I, as a northerner, would not be surprised at that.

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By *eMontresMan
over a year ago

Halesowen

The Oxford comma is entirely valid for the purposes of disambiguation. For example;

Coach and and and and and horses.

In context, and punctuated.

The owner of The Coach and Horses was critical of a news sign as he felt that there was insufficient space between the words Coach and and, and and, and Horses.

I was taught this in infants school at around 7 or 8 of age.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"It is incorrect grammar to have a comma before "and" in any kind of list.

The first comma States it is 3 separate people.

Bring Bob; a DJ and a clown would be the correct way to indicate that Bob is multi tasking.

The "Oxford" comma is just bad grammar.

Being from South of Watford though I, as a northerner, would not be surprised at that."

Being from South of Watford though, I as a northerner would be surprised at that.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Calling all Grammar Nazis, where are you on this?

If you got a text message saying, "Bring Bob, a DJ and a clown". Would you think that Bob is multi-talented or would you think that it's 3 different people?

For those who don't know, the same sentence would look like this, with the Oxford comma.... Bring Bob, a DJ, and a clown.

Here's the video from TED ED, http://youtu.be/ptM7FzyjtRk"

The sentence you provided is not a proper sentence because it does not contain a definitive noun or pronoun. For the sentence to make sense, the pronoun 'you' is required.

Please, will you bring: Bob; a DJ; a clown.

Please, will you bring bring Bob, a clown and DJ.

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By *uke olovingmanMan
over a year ago

Gravesend

Bob can't be a clown and a dj because his big shoes would stop him reaching the mixing desk... and he couldn't get the headphones over his big red wig

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By *uke olovingmanMan
over a year ago

Gravesend

[Removed by poster at 14/05/15 07:16:45]

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By *aitinkCouple
over a year ago

York

I amused myself by going back to the original question. The problem with that example is the ambiguity of the articles. The repeated indefinite article implies a list of three individuals but it is technically ambiguous though implicitly definite. Changing one of the as to a the changes the sense making the list a list of Bob's attributes. But again technically ambiguous. Curiously Tolkein inevitably precedes pretty much every and with a semicolon. The problem with this statement is that you can fix one meaning with punctuation but not the other - Bob is either one of three or ambiguous.

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By *ce WingerMan
over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ

Has anyone found Bob yet? I'm still busy looking for Dave

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By *hyllyphylly OP   Man
over a year ago

Bradford


"Has anyone found Bob yet? I'm still busy looking for Dave "

I think he's on sky

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

He's currently in a comma, on life support.

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By *ce WingerMan
over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ


"Has anyone found Bob yet? I'm still busy looking for Dave

I think he's on sky "

Too many clouds here I'm afraid. You had better try next door

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I keep seeing Oxford pillow cases in my local Tesco. Are they different from London pillow cases?

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