What are the rules governing the use of commas before "and"? For instance,
I'm going to Austria, Germany, and Poland. or
I'm going to Austria, Germany and Poland.
Are the rules different when expressions are used?
I enjoy hiking in the summer, snowshoeing in the winter, and running all year round. or
I enjoy hiking in the summer, snowshoeing in the winter and running all year round.
Add comment viewed 263 times Latest activity 10 months ago
donald remero
[ Moderator ]
What you are talking about specifically here is the use of "the serial comma."
A good short answer and some longer explanations appear in response to this question:
banimibo-ofori jack
[ Editor ]
Comma is only used to help to make a somewhat long sentence, less ambiguous. Look up 'Oxford Comma'. You will learn that ‘and’ after comma should be used only when you are feeling without the comma there is bound to be a little difficulty in figuring the precise meaning of what you wish to communicate. Its use is based on logic other than fixed by grammar.