Happy National Grammar Day, everyone! I’m not a grammar expert like Grammar Girl, but something in my heart sings when writers follow certain rules. I wanted to write an in-depth article about the history of some punctuation marks, but my brain is fuzzy, so here are some fun comics and pictures about grammar.
The deletion of the Oxford comma is my biggest pet peeve. I have actually stopped reading books and blogs (whose content I loved) simply because they never used the Oxford comma. Unfortunately, people keep ignoring it and certain style guides keep enabling them. The following picture should show you why the Oxford comma is so important:
The English language has suffered enough. Take time this year to edit before you post anything. I’m not asking anyone to know all the finer details of grammar rules; I don’t know all of them myself. If we all try a little harder to follow basic spelling, punctuation, and grammar rules, maybe the English language can still be saved!
Your examples of improper comma usage are awesome! I’m with you on the Oxford comma. It makes me so sad to see it sliding into oblivion.
I appreciate the follow-back, by the way. Just an fyi: I haven’t moved my blog over to the WordPress site yet (which is the blog you’ve followed). I’m still on Blogger (www.oddparticle.com) but will eventually make the switch when A to Z is finished.
I hope I never have to write with a style guide that doesn’t allow the Oxford comma. I think I would cry.
I found your blogger page, too. I really today’s post about Endurance. It’s actually really encouraging to remember that a great book isn’t the product of a massive wordsplosion, but takes time and effort to perfect.
For the love of god, stop!*