Barbara's Random Thoughts

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

I am a nerd.

I've been doing some editing this evening--helping one of the NC staff with an assignment for a New Testament class. And doing hands-on editing again has made me realize anew my love for the serial comma. I feel the compulsion to proclaim that love here and now. Long live the serial comma! It helps one avoid confusion in cases such as these*:

"I'd like to thank my parents, Mother Teresa and God."

Ed. note: Mother Teresa and God are probably not your parents. Better:

"I'd like to thank my parents, Mother Teresa, and God."

See the difference that makes? Oh, serial comma, how I love thee.


*Example totally stolen from a DPI copy editing workshop.

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| posted by Barbara | 10:44 PM