Serial Comma

So, I am getting my resume ready for SA recruiting, and I just had a question.

Do you guys use serial commas?

For example, "Micheal likes to run, play, and watch TV." or is it "Michael likes to run, play and watch TV"?????

I have always been taught to include the comma before the and, however, a lot of people, some within investment banking, have told me to not include it when I am listing things on my resume.

I just wanted to hear your thoughts on this.

Thanks and God Bless!

7 Comments
 

I believe this is called an oxford comma as well.

I use it all the time. Highly recommend it. Note: I've seen plenty of decks/CIMs with the oxford commas thrown in.

 

i like the oxford comma, but an associate railed me for using it in some deck this summer. bankers are picky for no fucking reason, so i'd stick to no comma, specially since it's more common than the oxford.

 

I prefer to use the Oxford comma. Once had my team sit down and have a quick discussion about whether or not to use it throughout our deck. We opted to use it, but consistency is the most important thing.

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I always thought it depended on the circumstance. Like if the last two items on the list were more related than the others, use no comma. An example escapes at the moment. Otherwise, use the Oxford comma. I suppose I could be wrong though. Can't go wrong with consistency. Everyone has their preferences. We're not English majors after all.

When a plumber from Hoboken tells you he has a good feeling about a reverse iron condor spread on the Japanese Yen, you really have no choice. If you don’t do it to him, somebody else surely will. -Eddie B.
 

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