Small Irritants

[KevM]

This doesn't show the use (or non-use) of an oxford comma. The rules state that when you are separating a name with a title, or designation, you should use two commas, one before the name and one after the name, or no commas. Your example is wrong, but does not pertain to an oxford comma that separates a list of items.

The list of items are the people. Newt, the 3 star, and the publicist are three different people.

 

[Lilacs4Me]

dup

 

[RUDisney]

The list of items are the people. Newt, the 3 star, and the publicist are three different people.

Ha! I was reading the last sentence that Newt Gingrich was a general and also managed MJ's affairs. Silly me. lol

 

[Disney Frenhines]

Store staff having conversations with their colleagues or visiting friends while serving me.

 

[KevM]

Ha! I was reading the last sentence that Newt Gingrich was a general and also managed MJ's affairs. Silly me. lol

Haha. Hence why the oxford comma is a must.

 

[RUDisney]

Haha. Hence why the oxford comma is a must.

It's definitely a generational thing. I was taught to never use it. My sister (24 years younger than I am) was taught to always use it. I love to argue with her about it. You've provided the best use case thus far... but I still don't like this generally superfluous comma.

 

[Moliphino]

Exhibit 1,047,932 for why the Oxford comma must be used. Haha.

View attachment 427551

The lack of an Oxford comma also cost a company $5 million.

Lack of Oxford comma costs Maine dairy company $5 million

 

[DietCoke18]

I know, right? Just a matter of time before one lops off a finger or gets third degree burns. That's my issue with it anyway.

That and the arrogance of some of the kids. Like you’re 9 take a few seats lol.

 

[KevM]

The lack of an Oxford comma also cost a company $5 million.

Lack of Oxford comma costs Maine dairy company $5 million

Haha. I remember reading about this before.

 

[marthachick]

Wow! So many that have been listed! Bikes and/or runners on the road. In NC we pay some of the highest gas tax in the nation to "maintain roads." Neither bike riders nor runners are taxed on their shoes or bikes so don't feel like you own the road. The worst of these is the man I meet a lot of mornings on a road without sidewalks. It is worse when it is barely dusk and he is running in all dark clothing. He will NOT step off the road even if you are meeting a car right at him. I fully expect to hear one morning that he has been hit. I know to pay attention for him but not everyone does and this is a road that a lot of (new) high school drivers take. We have miles of sidewalks very close to where he runs so I don't know what his excuse is.

The slow walkers used to irritate me until DH started walking slow and was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease a few years ago. He would give all he had to be able to walk as fast as he used to and not have this terrible disease. We try to stay to the side but sometimes people just need to have some compassion.

I am in a newly renovated building that resonates with noise. All day long. I am in the middle of the large building. I can hear every word of conversation in every hall unless the person is talking very low or whispering. I get irritated at people who step out into the hall and take a phone call 3 steps from my door. I really want to go out and contribute to the conversation. I can't really shut my door because of my position though. Also, since I am the first person most people see because of the layout of the building, I have become the unofficial receptionist.

 

[rigs32]

You must be single and unemployed.

I"m also from WNY and have been known to stay up quite late as well. Not single, employed in a well-respected professional position, but I don't have kids.

My personal irritant is people who've somehow determined that the way to pluralize words is with an apostrophe s.

 

[dez1978]

I hate when people say "mind you". Like when asking a question they say " Mind you, we have kids in school, and can't take off."

 

[kaytieeldr]

Every homeowner is responsible for the sidewalks in front of their 50 feet or so lots,

Interesting. The city or HOA isn't responsible, even though the homeowner was given no say? But can't change it, right?

I feel as strongly as you on the matter. However, the oxford comma is a useless comma. There is no need for it.

https://www.buzzfeed.com/adamdavis/the-oxford-comma-is-extremely-important-and-everyone-should

It feels, awkward.

Inappropriately used, of course it feels awkward.
https://www.theodysseyonline.com/15-reasons-you-should-use-the-oxford-comma

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

I think the smallest thing that irritates me would have to be when DH moves my salt and pepper grinders from beside the stove. He will use them on the counter on the other side of the kitchen, and doesn't ever put them back. So, when I go to cook something and I need to add salt and pepper...I have to hunt for them! I even bought another set, and he STILL takes the ones by the stove.

 

[Magical2017]

People who rush cut me off even when no one is behind me and then drive under the speed limit.

 

[PolyAddict]

I have so so many and most involve my DH of 30 years. One of the biggest is his "routine" before leaving the house. He needs to secure all doors, turn off lights, turn all the fans to high etc. EVEN is I am not leaving with him!!!! I work from home some days and then need to go through 800 locks just to let the dogs in the back yard. I literally walk around after he leaves and change everything back to normal...

 

[Magical2017]

It's definitely a generational thing. I was taught to never use it. My sister (24 years younger than I am) was taught to always use it. I love to argue with her about it. You've provided the best use case thus far... but I still don't like this generally superfluous comma.

I was taught to always use the Oxford Comma. I am 51. I did not realize using it bothered anyone, though.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Every homeowner is responsible for the sidewalks in front of their 50 feet or so lots, sometimes they are cracked, there are different surfaces, tree roots make them uneven. My dog is a puller, I’m always afraid of tripping on the sidewalk. They are “charming,” but definitely not suitable for running. Sometimes only one pedestrian can get by an overgrown bush or plants too close to the sidewalk.

I don't know that we have a feet amount but yes my sidewalk is my responsibility if it's on my lot. But so are landscaping. My neighborhood being newish (14years or so) is only just in the last several years having mature enough trees blocking things-mostly streetlights. Just using my city as an example you are required to have 2 trees planted, so long as your lot allows for it, on the easement or edge of street. But after its planted it's your responsibility. I forget what the allowance is but you should be trimming them should they be blocking the street lights or in people's way. Of course enforcement of this rule would have to be there in order for that to make any sort of difference.

Now I will say there are city property where yes tree roots have pushed up the sidewalks. That's a bit inevitable. But not once has that made me actually opt to go on the road rather than the (edited--corrected word) sidewalk in any place I've lived. Yes I rode my bike on the streets every so often but walking/running was different. My safety is higher on a sidewalk than a road. But growing up say in my mom's neighborhood where the houses are from the '60s and the concrete sidewalks have very mature tree roots around them or too much salt was used causing crumbling or any other factors I just watched where I was more carefully or in really bad spots temporarily walking on grass is my way to go. Better than always worrying about some car and putting my safety in someone else's hands.

 

[Moliphino]

In my area, the homeowner is responsible for keeping the sidewalks clear of snow but the actual sidewalks are maintained by the town.

There aren't any sidewalks within over a mile of my house, so I don't have any choice but to walk on the road. I'd much prefer sidewalks.

 

[sjrec]

Wind chimes. I hate them.