PaxVobiscum
Established Member
For those with not enough to worry about:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-51269012
Despite being something of a pedant on such matters I have to say I am deeply unconcerned.
Anyone here with Sir Philip?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-51269012
BBC News: Sir Philip Pullman calls for 50p boycott over Oxford comma
Sir Philip has taken umbrage because the Oxford comma is missing from the coin's wording: "Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations."
The Oxford comma is included before the final "and" in lists but it is not used universally and is often a topic of debate for grammar enthusiasts.
The coin will come into circulation on 31 January, when the UK leaves the EU.
Stig Abell, editor of the Times Literary Supplement, agreed with Pullman, tweeting: "The lack of a comma after 'prosperity' is killing me."
But Susie Dent, from Countdown's Dictionary Corner, said the Oxford comma was optional.
"Yes it is optional: it clarifies things quite often though, and I just find it easier and more consistent to use it all the time," she tweeted.
And broadcaster Joan Bakewell tweeted that she was taught that it was wrong to use the comma in such circumstances.
The new coin was unveiled by Chancellor Sajid Javid at the weekend.
Despite being something of a pedant on such matters I have to say I am deeply unconcerned.
Anyone here with Sir Philip?