Q&A

Does APA Style use Oxford comma?

Does APA Style use Oxford comma?

APA uses the serial (or Oxford) comma in lists of three or more items (i.e., Groucho, Harpo, and Zeppo).

Do you put a comma between two subjects?

This is one of the most common errors involving commas on the ACT, and it’s one that’s very easy to identify and fix. A compound item is simply two nouns or verbs joined by the word “and.” The rule is that you never need a comma before the “and.”

Do you need a comma for two independent clauses?

(Note: You can use a comma between independent clauses only if you also use a coordinating conjunction.) Thus, it can separate two independent clauses by itself; a comma cannot separate two independent clauses unless it is followed by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS).

Can you separate two verbs with a comma?

They also are separated by a coordinating conjunction. They need a comma. If you place a comma before the coordinating conjunction, you will have separated the subject, John, from its second verb, walked, and subjects and verbs cannot be separated by only one comma.

How do you know if a comma is correct?

To check commas, never use it before or after your series. When the items are linked by ‘or, nor or and,’ do not use a comma. Use it when denoting the use of at least two adjectives, which modify a noun independently. For instance, “She is a flamboyant, charming lady in Paris.”

When should a comma be added?

Always place a comma before or when it begins an independent clause, but if it begins a dependent clause, don’t. In a series (or list) of three or more items, you can use a comma before or, but this is a preference, not a rule. People often get muddled about whether to place a comma before conjunctions like and, so, because, and or.

When do you need a comma?

The comma is a punctuation mark that indicates a slight break, pause, or transition. Commas are necessary before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) that separates two independent clauses.

What is the owl in the University of Purdue?

The Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue University houses writing resources and instructional material, and we provide these as a free service of the Writing Lab at Purdue. Students, members of the community, and users worldwide will find information to assist with many writing projects. Teachers and trainers may use this material for in-class and out-of-class instruction.

Is there a comma in APA?

Comma before and in APA style. APA requires a serial comma because it is a scientific style and is focused on accuracy. APA does not like to leave things up to the individual writer’s discretion.