British novelist Sir Philip Pullman has called for a boycott of the Brexit 50p coin because it does not include an Oxford comma.
The coin, which enters circulation on Friday, bears the slogan “Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations”.
I find it difficult to express just how much I groaned at this. Much like Laurence Fox the other week, there was an exaggerated eye-roll followed by some head banging on the desk. Of all the first world problems, this has to be right out there in the lead by a country mile.
Now, I’m a fan of the Oxford comma as it is a means of minimising ambiguity when used correctly. Pullman is right that this phrase could use one. However, not using one does not cause ambiguity, so its use here is optional. And this fatuous idiocy made the news. Jesus Christ!
Personally, I reckon it’s got bugger all to do with the Oxford comma and everything to do with pettiness from sore losers, but that’s just my take.
Well I’m waiting for somebody to find a similar “error” in one of his books (somebody must read them).
It made the news. That tells you all you need to know.
Don’t look to me, I’ve got better things to do with my time.
Well I’m washing my hair – in remainer tears
Well his books are crap too. Silly old Remainer tosser !
I was taught that a comma is not required before the last entry in a list. Still, I expect Pullman knows better.
The Oxford comma is used where there is an “and” before the final clause and those two clauses run together give a different meaning. The comma makes it clear that they are separate clauses. An example:
Now put a comma before the “and” and it reads somewhat differently…
In the instance of the coin, there is no such confusion, so it isn’t needed.
Thanks. I learn something new every day!
It’s an optional extra.
If it was mandatory, they’d just call it a comma.
The man can do as he wishes. It’ll be a collectable and a huge number will be snapped up to be kept in mint condition.
His loss, Oxford Comma or not.
I’ll be keeping one aside.
I’m tempted to start a petition for a union flag pattern 50p.
The tantrum would be a thing of beauty
Just remainers whinging. That Adonis lunatic was also doing it too.