Hi again,
On Thursday we had an exercise to practice using commas (,) with lists. Our book showed us examples where you always use a comma before the word "and" in lists of three or more things. Here is an example:
I like to eat apples, oranges
, and bananas. ( it is correct to use a comma before "and")
but, after checking on the internet, I found it is also correct:
to drop the comma before the word "and", so....
I like to eat apples, oranges
and bananas. (no comma before "and" is correct)
Therefore, you have a choice to use a comma or not use a comma before the word "and" when you write a list of three or more things.
There are other rules about using commas with "and". You need to use a comma before "and" when you are
connecting two independent clauses.
Example:
I go to school in the morning
, and I work in the afternoon.
However, if you are
connecting an independent clause and a dependent clause, don't use a comma.
(A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.)
Example:
I turned on the stove
and put the pan in.
(don't use a comma before "and" because the second part of the sentence is a "dependent" clause.)
Here is a link to a good website (
grammarly.com) that explains using commas before and:
Rules for using commas before "and".
