Using commas with "and" in a list.....

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".