Comma query...?

Question

Okay, are the commas placed correctly in this sentence:

He is a a dirty, wind-chapped and sunburned man.

Or would another comma be placed after wind-chapped?

Thanks! :-)

Answer 1

A comma after "wind-chapped" is what's known as the "serial comma" or "Oxford comma". A lot of style manuals recommend using it to avoid ambiguity in lists. It's more common in US and Canadian English than in British English. Leaving it out of your example doesn't present much of a problem, but consider the classic book dedication example:

"To my parents, Ayn Rand and God."

It's kind of a silly example, but you can see where leaving out the comma can introduce confusion. In your sentence, you can leave out the last comma, but I'd go ahead and insert it just for consistency.

(While we're on the subject, contrary to popular belief, commas aren't just inserted where a pause might be. There are *rules*. Sorry. Pet peeve. Carry on.)

Answer 2

I prefer the use of the comma after "wind-chapped." As someone else pointed out, it is called the Oxford comma, and I think it lends clarity to writing.

However, in this case, it would be correct without it.

Answer 3

You don't need the comma after wind-chapped as the "and" provides the pause. The newest trend is to put commas everywhere so none will be left out. However, in this case, it really isn't necessary.

Answer 4

A comma after wind chapped too..

Answer 5

Comma after wind-chapped; they are three, distinct adjectives describing the man.

Answer 6

Instead of using """ why can't you use Chr(34)? - Won't it make reading easy? You can use Chr(39) for single quote. .