To me, it sounds like an incomplete list. With the ‘and X’, I know that X is the last thing in that set. I guess that only really matters in cases where you want to absolutely show that a set only contains certain members.
An “and” before the last item tells you it’s an inclusive list. An “or” before the last item tells you it’s a pick one. A “nor” tells you it wasn’t any of those. It’s word to wait to the last item to know what the list was, but English is a screwed up language.
For your example, to make the list clearer in writing I would usually do one of the two.
I like Jazz, Rock and Roll, and Classical.
Or
I like Jazz, Rock & Roll and Classical.
(Or the other way around if a list item includes “and” specifically)
I often write in a way that flows better when talking, so I usually try to find ways like the above to make that kind of flow look more understandable in writing too. I don’t think your and-less version flows well, in my way of speaking at least. But I also wouldn’t tell you to stop doing that, because I can understand it, and that matters most in reality.
Grammar was invented by big keyboard to sell more keys, fuck grammar. I was taught not to use Oxford comma here in Aus. Though I guess I do technically use it I just omit the “and” that tags along
“And” isn’t necessary when listing.
Example: “cats, dogs and mice”
Vs “cats, dogs, mice”
Haven’t heard an argument beyond “it’s just convention” and I’m lazy enough to not bother with three letters and one syllable.
I think it also can be a little clearer in some situations where the word “and” is included in the list.
Example: “I like jazz, rock and roll and classical”
Vs: “I like jazz, rock and roll, classical”
To me, it sounds like an incomplete list. With the ‘and X’, I know that X is the last thing in that set. I guess that only really matters in cases where you want to absolutely show that a set only contains certain members.
An “and” before the last item tells you it’s an inclusive list. An “or” before the last item tells you it’s a pick one. A “nor” tells you it wasn’t any of those. It’s word to wait to the last item to know what the list was, but English is a screwed up language.
Yeah that makes sense. I’d still use “or” for listing options. Don’t really see how omitting the “and” leads to ambiguity though.
For your example, to make the list clearer in writing I would usually do one of the two.
I like Jazz, Rock and Roll, and Classical.
Or
I like Jazz, Rock & Roll and Classical.
(Or the other way around if a list item includes “and” specifically)
I often write in a way that flows better when talking, so I usually try to find ways like the above to make that kind of flow look more understandable in writing too. I don’t think your and-less version flows well, in my way of speaking at least. But I also wouldn’t tell you to stop doing that, because I can understand it, and that matters most in reality.
You call yourself a grammar nazi, and don’t use the oxford comma?
Grammar was invented by big keyboard to sell more keys, fuck grammar. I was taught not to use Oxford comma here in Aus. Though I guess I do technically use it I just omit the “and” that tags along