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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Lola Christina Alao

What is the Oxford Comma? Therese Coffey under fire for remarks

The Oxford comma is one of the linguistic devices that has always caused division and debate.

Now, new Health Secretary Therese Coffey has come under fire after her office issued guidance telling workers to “be positive” and avoid using policy wonk “jargon”. The “Oxford comma” was referred to as one of the pieces of jargon that shouldn’t be used. Some think that this guidance is unnecessary and patronising.

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