As part of the 15th Anniversary celebration for Natetheworld.com, I am hosting a 24-hour writing challenge. Starting in January 2024, readers began submitting essay prompts. My goal is to tackle as many of these prompts as possible in a 24-hour period.

I love a good debate. I also love apples, cheese and crackers. No, I also love apples, cheese, and crackers. Yes, I love a good debate, and other stuff.

But we must admit that the use of the Oxford comma is a style choice. For me, it is a choice I prefer. I just think it looks better on the page. Also, for the way my brain works when reading, it provides the clarity that makes the most sense to me.

Let’s look at my opening paragraph. When I read, “I also love apples, cheese and crackers.” Cheese and crackers read as if they are already together. It reads as if my Triscuits have already been adorned with blue cheese. When I read, “No, I also love apples, cheese, and crackers,” I see three separate items. I see agency, freedom, and choice (at least in this sentence).

So, when Vampire Weekend asks, “Who gives a f**k about an Oxford comma?” The answer is me. I am the guy, but it isn’t a hill I am willing to die on. Why? Because if the clarity of your sentence can be undone by something as small as a comma, I would argue you need to rewrite your sentence. It is also not grammatically correct, according to the AP style guide. As a former journalism student, I would never dare speak ill of our bible. We also must admit that when in conversation with others, we don’t listen for commas. We listen for pauses.

“I love apples (small pause), cheese (small pause) and crackers. We listen to others listing things all the time, and we do it without an ounce of confusion.

So, why the debate? Why do grammar nerds and writers love to debate this issue? Well, we don’t get a lot of sunlight. We are more comfortable in dark rooms, pounding away at the keyboard, constructing brilliant points or fantastic worlds for you to occupy when you need an escape. We also love a good debate that screams of elitism. We are a shallow bunch.

Use the Oxford comma if you want. Don’t use the Oxford comma. The world will continue to rotate, the sun will rise, and you will have bigger fish to fry tomorrow. And if you’re going to use it, please just admit the real reason. You love the way it looks on a page.

Be good to each other,

Nathan