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Goronsky Posted 11 years ago
Grammar
serial comma
Can the serial comma be included and omitted in the same piece of writing? In other words, to reduce ambiguity, can it be included or omitted (depending on context) within the same piece of writing?
Are you a firm believer in, and steadfast supporter of, the serial comma?
Should it always be omitted unless its inclusion reduces ambiguity-- yes or no (in your opinion)?
Thank you.
Are you a firm believer in, and steadfast supporter of, the serial comma?
Should it always be omitted unless its inclusion reduces ambiguity-- yes or no (in your opinion)?
Thank you.
Top answer
goronsky Can the serial comma be included and omitted in the same piece of writing? In other words, to reduce ambiguity, can it be included or omitted (depending on context) within the same piece of writing? Yes.
- goronsky Can the serial comma be included and omitted in the same piece of writing?
- In other words, to reduce ambiguity, can it be included or omitted (depending on context) within the same piece of writing?
- Yes.
- Are you a firm believer in, and steadfast supporter of, the serial comma?
- No.
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4 Answers
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goronskyCan the serial comma be included and omitted in the same piece of writing? In other words, to reduce ambiguity, can it be included or omitted (depending on context) within the same piece of writing? Yes.
Are you a firm believer in, and steadfast supporter of, the serial comma?
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'Etc' means 'and so forth'.
Consider these examples:
Apples, oranges etc were needed for the fruit basket.
<The comma before 'etc' was omitted to support the omission of the implied serial comma here. Is this correct?>
Tom brought apples, oranges etc to the picnic.
<Same logic.>
Pens, pencils etc are needed for the project.
<Same logic
Consider these examples:
Apples, oranges etc were needed for the fruit basket.
<The comma before 'etc' was omitted to support the omission of the implied serial comma here. Is this correct?>
Tom brought apples, oranges etc to the picnic.
<Same logic.>
Pens, pencils etc are needed for the project.
<Same logic
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I, like Rover, do not use the serial comma all the time, but I always use a comma before etc. I say that word as, 'et cetera', not as 'and so on/forth'.
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