Exploring the Use of Commas in Writing

This video tutorial explores the use of commas, focusing on the serial and Oxford commas. It explains the six rules for comma usage, with a detailed look at the serial comma, which is used to separate items in a list. The importance of the Oxford comma is highlighted through examples and a legal case where its absence led to a costly misunderstanding. The tutorial concludes with a preview of the next lesson on comma rules.

How many rules are there for using commas correctly?

• Five

• Seven

• Four

• Six

What is the serial comma also known as?

• Harvard comma

• Oxford comma

• Yale comma

• Cambridge comma

What does the serial comma rule state?

• Comma at the end of a sentence

• No comma before 'and'

• Comma after every word

• Comma between items in a list

What special name is given to the comma before 'and' in a series?

• Harvard comma

• Stanford comma

• Oxford comma

• Princeton comma

What happens if the Oxford comma is omitted in the example with rhinoceri, Washington, and Lincoln?

• Washington and Lincoln are seen as rhinoceri

• No change in meaning

• The sentence becomes grammatically incorrect

• It becomes a list of places

What does the Oxford comma prevent in lists?

• Ambiguity

• Repetition

• Lengthy sentences

• Grammatical errors

Which breakfast becomes unappealing when the Oxford comma is removed?

• Cereal, milk, and sugar

• Pancakes, syrup, and butter

• Bacon, eggs, and cheese

• Eggs, toast, and orange juice

What was the consequence of omitting the Oxford comma in a legal document?

• No consequence

• Minor financial loss

• Reputation damage

• Major financial loss

What was the legal outcome regarding the Oxford comma dispute?

• Employees won the case

• Employees lost the case

• Employers won without penalties

• Case was dismissed

What is the next rule to be discussed in the upcoming week?

• Rule of apostrophes

• Rule of quotations

• Rule of semicolons

• Rule two of commas