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Grammar Helper: Commas in a series

Posted by Jo | Filed under Writing Helper

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Use a comma to separate items in a list of three or more.

1. We brought sandwiches, fruit, and salads to the picnic.

or

1. We brought sandwiches, fruit and salads to the picnic.

Note that the final comma is optional. However, you may find that your writing is clearer at times with the comma. Whichever you choose, be consistent.

Commas should also be used to separate verbs and phrases that are in a series.

1. I cleaned the house, did the shopping, and paid our bills before lunch.

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Comments (1) | May 29, 2007

One Response to “Grammar Helper: Commas in a series”

1. Kristy Says:
   May 30th, 2007 at 10:48 am

   I recently had a ridiculously long conversation with another women in my office, discussing the “commas in a list” topic. She was insistent that you NEVER use a comma before “and” when creating a list (as in your first #1 above). I tried to convince her that it is ok and an equally correct option.

   Of course, this is a woman who tosses apostrophes around like pennies and insists that the colon should not be used in writing sentences, only when writing time (i.e. 8:48 am). I should have realized I was having an intellectual battle with the unarmed.