Originally posted by ZoomZoom Diva:
That is proof our schools are teaching children incorrectly.

The Modern Languages Association (MLA), a definitive organization in the proper written use of the American English language, states in their Handbook the commma is mandatory.


The MLA is only one standard. It's not incorrect as far as I'm concerned; it's just an American modification that's unnecessary. That being said, I generally use it because it prevents ambiguity.

http://www.askoxford.com/asktheexperts/faq/aboutother/oxfordcomma?view=uk

The "Oxford comma" or "serial comma" as it's called is frequently used in American English, but not so much in British English. The Associated Press, and most individual newspapers and magazines, agree that the Oxford comma may be omitted in a simple series. Thus, in most American public schools, they teach its inclusion as being optional. I'm a product of public schooling by the way, and with your high-class education, I'm surprised you didn't know that.

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