• Punctuation is important for clarity.

• Clarity is especially important for academic manuscripts.

• Using the Oxford comma increases the clarity of your science manuscript.

What is the Oxford Comma?

The Oxford comma, also known as the serial comma, is that humble comma placed after the penultimate item in a list of three or more items, just before the conjunction “and” or “or.” Some argue against its use, deeming it redundant and clutter-inducing. They claim that the conjunction alone can sufficiently separate list items. However, the Oxford comma, in most cases, stands as a beacon of clarity and precision. It unequivocally distinguishes each element in a list, leaving no room for ambiguity.

Importance of the Oxford Comma

The importance of proper punctuation for clarity is vividly illustrated in Lynne Truss’s famous book, “Eats, Shoots & Leaves.” In a humorous yet instructive manner, Truss demonstrates the impact of commas on meaning. Consider the phrase “The panda eats shoots and leaves.” That is, its diet comprises bamboo shoots and leaves. Improper addition of commas, however, changes the meaning of this sentence entirely, making the panda seem to be dangerous. In the following sentence, “The panda eats, shoots, and leaves.”, the panda is understood to eat its meal, take aim with an arrow or weapon, and depart the scene.

Know When to Use the Oxford Comma

In the world of science manuscript editing, precise punctuation is an absolute necessity. Effective communication hinges on it. The Oxford comma, a topic of debate among writers and editors, plays a pivotal role in this arena. While some argue against its utility, we advocate for its consistent use and here’s why.

Let’s look at the following sentence.

Duloxetine and citalopram may be prescribed for postpartum depression. We investigated the effects of these antidepressants, alcohol and barbiturates in an animal model of postpartum depression.

Without the Oxford comma, it seems that alcohol and barbiturates are examples of antidepressants. Add the Oxford comma, and clarity reigns: “Four different drugs are being investigated for their effects on postpartum depression: the antidepressants duloxetine and citalopram, alcohol, and barbiturates.” The Oxford comma eliminates ambiguity while maintaining conciseness.

However, knowing when to abstain from the Oxford comma is equally crucial. Consider this example:

The effects of NMDA antagonists, MK-801 and DxM were evaluated in a model of chronic pain.

Here, both MK-801 and DxM are NMDA antagonists. Inserting an Oxford comma would mistakenly imply the evaluation of three distinct entities. The Oxford comma’s omission clarifies that only two NMDA antagonists are under scrutiny.

Conclusion

The Oxford comma isn’t just a punctuation mark; it’s a clarifying agent. In academic writing, it might even be mandatory according to specific style guides.

Embracing the Oxford comma demonstrates meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to lucid, precise communication. Its judicious application, while not universal, stands as a powerful tool for enhancing clarity, making it an indispensable asset in all forms of writing.