When do I use a comma just before and?

Question

When do I use a comma just before and? :(

Answer 1

Actually, you don't need the comma before the "and" if you are writing a list like "sausage, pepperoni and onions." However, many teachers still disagree on this, so honestly if you're writing a school paper, you should ask your teacher what to do. And next year, ask your new teacher the same question.

You do need the comma+and combination when you are connecting two different clauses in the same sentence. A "clause" works like a sentence by itself, becuase it has a noun and a verb. However some clauses don't make sense by themselves, for example "and he is also very handsome." Those are called "dependent clauses" because they only work as part of a larger sentence.

Examples of the comma+and usage:

"My boyfriend is smart, and he is also very handsome."
"I met a woman at the grocery store today, and she told me where to find a good dentist."
"Shakira began writing her own music when she was 8 years old, and she has been recording albums with Sony since she was 13."

Answer 2

There is a simple rule about the use for commas.
Where there is a pause in a sentence and an additional phrase is added, a comma precedes that insertion and is placed to complete it.
Example:

If I wanted a steak right now, and I don't, I'd choose a tenderloin.

This example also shows an example of when a comma can precede the word 'and'.
However, in normal useage, and there's another example, and another one just fell right in there, 'and' or 'but' are never preceded with a comma.
Example:

I bought you a beer and a hot-dog.

Further, the following example shows where commas should and should not be used in a sequence sentence ...

I bought you a beer, a hot-dog, a T-shirt and a half-share in some fries.

All clear?

Here's a sentence which was said by an inn-keeper who was chacking out the new sign for the Public House called The Rose and Crown, where there were some inconsistencies in the spacing made by the sign-writer ...

"The spaces between Rose and and and and and Crown are not equal. Do it again, and get it right this time!" This last 'and', used just there, follows a natural pause and change of direction but COULD be omitted if the sentence is read/intended as a continuous stream.

English is a beetch!

Answer 3

Search for "serial comma."

There are two sets of opinion -- some people like the serial comma, which is where you use the comma before "and" when listing three or more items. I bought milk, bread, and cereal. Other people say that is not necessary.

Friends on the internet were recently discussing this issue. One brought up the example of not using a serial comma (from a book dedication) "To my parents, Mary and God." Of course, it should read that the author is thanking parents, Mary, and God.

However, I was taught not to use the serial comma by my journalism professors. It depends on who your boss is -- if they are giving grades, or paying you good money, you do what they say.

Here's a site for more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_comma

Answer 4

I was always taught "When in doubt, leave it out".
I beg to differ. My rule is to use a comma when there is a natural pause in the sentence. In the case of "and", I opt to use a comma before the and when writing lists of thee of more objects. Teachers often say to leave out the comma, but in many cases the meaning is changed by leaving it out.
Example:

I'm going out to buy my favorite dessert,bacon, and eggs.
(I need three items from the store.)
I'm going out to buy my favorite dessert, bacon and eggs.
Without the comma the meaning changes completely.
Conclusion--put the comma in before and when writing lists of three or more items.

Answer 5

No dear, no comma before the and. Use it like this:

I got some cat food, lettuce and milk at the store.
See? No comma after the lettuce before the and.

Answer 6

Vague question, but I think prepositional phrase fits the bill.

I get it now. I think, perhaps, you need work on more fundamental skills. Your question should have read ... When do I use a comma? Is it used just before the word "and" ?

Run-on sentences are much more confusing than misused commas.

Answer 7

A comma is used when there is a minor pause in the sentence. Say it aloud and you will know if the sentence needs that pause. If it does, add the comma. It works!

Answer 8

specific! The commas until now the "and" are mandatory. in case you do no longer upload the comma, the words until now it grow to be a set. This basically is smart in some circumstances. occasion: My well-known action picture star couples are Brad and Angelina, Beyonce and Jay Z, and Ellen and Portia.

Answer 9

When you write a list of items. See example below:

"I went to the store to buy milk, bread, eggs, and coffee."

Answer 10

I am answering his, her, and your question.
This is a lame, dirty, and unhealthy excuse.
You can eat a banana, an apple, and an orange lying in the basket.
Are you still confused, hapless, and seeking any more answer.
I hope u liked my style, my sentences, and my answer to your question.