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The problem being alluded to is that adding an Oxford comma makes it appear as if "a policeman" is a parenthetical phrase describing George. "Through the windo
by nelsonweiss 14y ago
The problem being alluded to is that adding an Oxford comma makes it appear as if "a policeman" is a parenthetical phrase describing George.
"Through the window she saw George, a policeman, and several onlookers."
Does she see two men, the policeman and George, as well as several onlookers? Or does she see one man, George the policeman, and several onlookers?
- lloyddobbler 14y agoAgreed. As shown in my favorite illustration of an Oxford Comma dilemma ever: http://i.imgur.com/5LdZT.jpg http://i.imgur.com/5LdZT.jpg
- salvadors 14y agoExcept that if you really meant the second case, you'd use a colon, not a comma.