Common mistake Missing comma 'first come first serve'

Common Mistake: Missing Comma in the Phrase "First Come First Serve"

One common mistake that many people make is not including a necessary comma in the phrase "first come first serve".

Explanation:

When using the phrase "first come first serve" to indicate that the first person to arrive will be served first, it is important to include a comma to separate the two adjectives "first come" and "first serve".

Example of Incorrect Usage:

  • Incorrect: First come first serve

Correction:

  • Correct: First come, first serve

Explanation:

In the corrected version, a comma has been added between "first come" and "first serve" to clearly separate the two adjectives. This helps to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding regarding the intended meaning of the phrase.

Why is it important?

Using the correct punctuation in this phrase is important for effective communication. Without the comma, the phrase "first come first serve" can be misinterpreted as a different meaning altogether, such as "the first person to come will serve". Adding the comma clarifies that it is the order of arrival that determines the serving order.

Linguix Grammar Checker

Linguix Grammar Checker is a helpful tool that can detect and correct punctuation errors, such as missing commas, in sentences and phrases. It can assist in ensuring that your written content is grammatically correct and effectively conveys your intended message.

Missing comma 'first come first serve' mistake examples

  • Incorrect:
    First come first served.

    Correct:
    First come, first served.

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