Search
Monday, September 25, 2023
The Daily
Search
News
Multimedia
Sports
Opinion
In-Depth
Subscribe
Lifestyles
Housing Guide
Classifieds
Send a Tip
°
Full Forecast
The Daily News
  • News
  • Lifestyles
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Multimedia
  • In-Depth
  • Housing Guide
  • Classifieds
  • Send a Tip
  • Donate
  • News
  • Lifestyles
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Multimedia
  • In-Depth
  • Housing Guide
  • Classifieds
  • Send a Tip
Search

Subscribe

Subscribe to The Daily News

opinion 2/28/2020, 3:00pm

Masculinquiries: Defending punctuation

The Oxford comma should not just be allowed, but encouraged

By Matthew Yapp
Masculinquiries: Defending punctuation
Emily Wright, DN

Share

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Mail
  • Print
Matt Yapp headshot

Matthew Yapp is a senior communications major and writes “Masculinquiries” for The Daily News. His views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper. 

What is the Oxford comma? 

The Oxford comma is many things: a tool, an asset, a totem of things lost by our impatient society. If you’re unaware, the Oxford comma is used after the final item of a list of three or more. It is used for clarity and has overall never caused any harm to anyone ever, but has saved many sentences in its humble existence. 

AP style doesn’t believe in using the Oxford comma, but in my opinion, AP style is wrong. 

If you don’t use the Oxford comma it is extremely easy to lose the intention of a sentence. If I were to write “I love my parents, Carly Rae Jepsen and The Flash” you could very easily read that as if I was brought screaming into this world by the queen of pop and the greatest superhero of all time. While that is a big fantasy of mine, it is not the case. Writing “I love my parents, Carly Rae Jepsen, and The Flash” paints a much more realistic and understandable picture. 

Many have spoken out about how using the Oxford comma is useless, saying it is a “waste of time,” among other egregious titles. I argue, however, our society has gotten too wrapped up in saving time. No one is patient anymore, everyone is always going. The Oxford comma offers you the chance to stop, take a breath, and appreciate the world around you. 

Being in a constant rush is incredibly unhealthy, as well. As someone who has taken a physical fitness and wellness class and tried yoga once, I think I’m more than qualified to say that the Oxford comma would be good for your heart. Allow yourself to rest. 

On top of that, I would like to call into question why we blindly follow AP style. Just because this constantly criticized, bourgeoisie-style guide says we can’t use the Oxford comma doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. 

At this point it’s really just my word against AP style and you have no reason not to listen to me over them. 

Not too long ago, I told a friend he should stop wearing cargo shorts, and he listened, thankfully. He would later be accepted into graduate school, and I like to think his outfit change had quite a bit to do with that. So, clearly listening to me results in good fortune. I’m not sure listening to the AP Style Guide has gotten anyone anything other than some journalism awards or other nerd things.

Don’t listen to a style guide that is updated and sometimes changed once a year. Instead, listen to me and use the Oxford comma all you want. It will improve your writing, your attitude, and your life.

Contact Matthew with comments at mpyapp@bsu.edu.

Share



Related Stories

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson dives to recover a fumble in the second quarter. Jerry Jackson/The Baltimore Sun/TNS

CARTER: Four takeaways from the Colts’ week three win

By Zach Carter

Second year computer science and physics major Elain Ulsh's 15-week old kitten, Perseus, plays with a cat toy Sept. 17 in Muncie, Ind. Mya Cataline, DN

Being a cat owner has improved my quality of life

By Elaine Ulsh

Sophmore forward Delaney Caldwell rears back for a pass upfield against Miami Sept. 21 at Briners Sports Complex. Caldwell was responsible for one of the Cardinals goals against the Redhawks. Andrew Berger, DN

Cardinals draw against Eastern Michigan in second conference matchup

By Quintin Hossli


The Daily News welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.



Most Popular


Local Business 9/22/2023, 10:00am

Downtown Muncie restaurant, Mama and Son, focuses on love in their food and environment.

By Calvin Scott

Local Business 9/23/2023, 10:00am

Five hidden gems to visit in Muncie


Football 9/7/2023, 9:58am

'Bumps and Bruises'


Local Business 9/9/2023, 10:00am

PositiviTea, a family-owned boba shop, is a new addition on McGalliard Road in Muncie





Tweets by bsudailynews
To Homepage
  • About
  • Guidelines
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • The Daily

All Rights Reserved

© Copyright 2023 The Daily News

Powered by Solutions by The State News.