As a kid in school, I learned #2 was correct. Then somewhere along the line it changed to #1. Were my early teachers wrong?
I'm old though. I grew up typing on a typewriter and was taught to use two spaces after every period. I guess the world of computers changed a lot of things.
Anita, you say "probably." But "certainly" after writing an entire novel you have settled on one or the other.
Amy & Rena - I'm surprised you learned #2 is correct in school, unless you're like 15. The serial comma drop has become popular only in recent years. There are always maverick teachers out there, the ones who sport ear rings and never meet deadlines. Again, annoying.
This is one of my biggest pet peeves. I hate when people do it "wrong" too. It bugs me big time, and I'll even have to put a book down for a moment to let the fury die down.
Oh, and I KNOW that #1 is the right way. :) Rather demanding this morning, aren't I?
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ReplyDeleteI was always taught that 1 is correct. And I used to teach that 1 is correct.
ReplyDeleteI'd probably use 1.
ReplyDeleteI always taught that 1 is correct, so that's how I write...
ReplyDeleteHm--I'm the odd man out. I was taught that #2 is correct.
ReplyDeleteAs a kid in school, I learned #2 was correct. Then somewhere along the line it changed to #1. Were my early teachers wrong?
ReplyDeleteI'm old though. I grew up typing on a typewriter and was taught to use two spaces after every period. I guess the world of computers changed a lot of things.
1. But I can live with 2 as long as it's intentional.
ReplyDelete#1 for me. I actually can't stand number 2 and it throws me when reading. I use #1 because of cases like this:
ReplyDelete"The graduate thanked his parents, the Pope and Mother Teresa."
Though a rare case, this makes the graduate's parents the Pope and Mother Teresa. Without the serial comma, it reads like an appositive. Annoying.
Anita, you say "probably." But "certainly" after writing an entire novel you have settled on one or the other.
ReplyDeleteAmy & Rena - I'm surprised you learned #2 is correct in school, unless you're like 15. The serial comma drop has become popular only in recent years. There are always maverick teachers out there, the ones who sport ear rings and never meet deadlines. Again, annoying.
Hi, this is Porschia.
ReplyDeleteI was always taught #1 since I was in kindergarten.
Porschia - your English teacher must really know what he's doing.
ReplyDeleteLOL Tracy -- No, I'm 45 and that's what we were taught waaaaaaaay back then. But over the years, it's been obvious that #1 was correct.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my biggest pet peeves. I hate when people do it "wrong" too. It bugs me big time, and I'll even have to put a book down for a moment to let the fury die down.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I KNOW that #1 is the right way. :) Rather demanding this morning, aren't I?