[Grammar] when to comma before "and."

[MikethePike]

Hi,

Typically, I've used comma's before the word, "and," especially when used as a third item. For example:

The blue and red flag had stars, stripes, and butterflies sewn into it.

Is this correct?

thank you,

Mike

 

[abaka]

First, "when to put a comma", not "to comma". Second, the plural is "commas", not "comma's".

American usage puts in the comma more often than not, British usage rather omits it. But there is no hard and fast rule. Put the comma in if you feel you need a small pause, omit it if you want to end your list with a glide.

PS. In your example no comma seems more natural to me. Others may feel differently.

 

[Rover_KE]

Welcome to the forums, Mike:hi:.

I agree with abaka.

Rover

 

[MikethePike]

First, "when to put a comma", not "to comma". Second, the plural is "commas", not "comma's".

American usage puts in the comma more often than not, British usage rather omits it. But there is no hard and fast rule. Put the comma in if you feel you need a small pause, omit it if you want to end your list with a glide.

PS. In your example no comma seems more natural to me. Others may feel differently.

I'm not sure this is where I'm supposed to reply, but thank you. Also, thank you Rover, for the welcome.

 

[Rover_KE]

Your thanks are appreciated, Mike, but you don't need to send them in a separate post or to quote our answers back to us.

We are all happy to accept a simple click on the Like button as your acknowledgement of our help.

Rover​

:-D

 

[Raymott]

Hi,

Typically, I've used comma's before the word, "and," especially when used as a third item. For example:

The blue and red flag had stars, stripes, and butterflies sewn into it.

Is this correct?

thank you,

Mike

I would always put the last comma here unless it causes an ambiguity. Look up "Oxford comma" or "Harvard comma" or "serial comma for a discussion.
This page gives some ambiguities caused from either using or not using a serial comma:
Serial comma - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia