the serial comma

WHY I USE THE OXFORD (OR SERIAL) COMMA

 

WITH:

 

After winning the Academy Award, Matthew McConaughey thanked his parents, Jennifer Garner, and Jared Leto.

 

WITHOUT:

 

After winning the Academy Award, Matthew McConaughey thanked his parents, Jennifer Garner and Jared Leto.

 

Without the comma we have a false appositive.

 

WITHOUT:

 

Mary was proud of her recipes for cupcakes: marzipan, almond and coconut and chocolate chip.

 

(Is it almond and coconut or is it coconut and chocolate chip or are all three combined?)

Book dedication: To my parents, Ayn Rand and God.

 

The writer is a demigod with an inherited tin ear for language?

 

Since you have to use it in some cases to prevent confusion, be consistent, and use it always.