This article succinctly addressed the important subject of proper comma usage. I’ve long thought that English language education in the US should deemphasize literature and essay-writing and emphasize language mechanics and practical examples of writing, such as letters and even emails. I think a lot of otherwise fairly capable people, who aren’t particularly ignorant or unintelligent, unknowingly embarrass themselves with poor grammar and punctuation in their writing. It comes down to teaching and learning, for which articles like this one serve to recap material or fill in gaps in comprehension. Nicely done.
Sometimes it doesn’t, as in the sentence,”He went to Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Danbury.”
It doesn’t require a comma because I believe that 100 people out of 100 would understand the sentence perfectly without the final comma.
But what about this sentence, “I need paper, a pen with black ink and an eraser”?
Without the serial comma, it sounds as if the person needs two things: (1) paper and (2)a pen with black ink and an eraser.” Use the serial comma if there is any chance of the last items in a serious could blur in the reader’s mind. You may want to look at Strunk & White’s Elements of style to hear their reasons for embracing the serial comma.
I will hang this right next to my poster entitled “Battle of the Commonly Misspelled or Misused Words”. I know I will find it just as helpful. I’m pleased that I seem to follow the rules, most of the time.
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Great article!
This article succinctly addressed the important subject of proper comma usage. I’ve long thought that English language education in the US should deemphasize literature and essay-writing and emphasize language mechanics and practical examples of writing, such as letters and even emails. I think a lot of otherwise fairly capable people, who aren’t particularly ignorant or unintelligent, unknowingly embarrass themselves with poor grammar and punctuation in their writing. It comes down to teaching and learning, for which articles like this one serve to recap material or fill in gaps in comprehension. Nicely done.
Gary, the final item in a series does not require a comma.
Mark,
Sometimes it doesn’t, as in the sentence,”He went to Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Danbury.”
It doesn’t require a comma because I believe that 100 people out of 100 would understand the sentence perfectly without the final comma.
But what about this sentence, “I need paper, a pen with black ink and an eraser”?
Without the serial comma, it sounds as if the person needs two things: (1) paper and (2)a pen with black ink and an eraser.” Use the serial comma if there is any chance of the last items in a serious could blur in the reader’s mind. You may want to look at Strunk & White’s Elements of style to hear their reasons for embracing the serial comma.
I will hang this right next to my poster entitled “Battle of the Commonly Misspelled or Misused Words”. I know I will find it just as helpful. I’m pleased that I seem to follow the rules, most of the time.