Comma Rule...?

Question

Okay, so I'm obsessed with grammar. (lol) So with that in mind, I have a comma question. I'm willing to bet that you insert commas like this (Bob, Joe, and Sally) NOT like this (Bob, Joe and Sally). However, even on college brochures and school assignments, I see the use of only one comma (Bob, Joe and Sally). Isn't this incorrect? Why do so many colleges and higher-up businesses create such an obvious mistake?

So, that's when I thought maybe I'm wrong with the comma rule. Does anyone officially know?

Well, I heard that if you don't add a comma after Joe, then it means that Joe and Sally is assumed to be one thing.

I still believe my way is right. I need some real proof, not just theories.

Answer 1

It's actually a controversial issue with arguments both FOR and AGAINST. In American English, it's more commonly accepted as coloquial punctuation. In British English, which tends to be more formal, it is less acceptable. Proof of this lack of conclusion in the English world? It's called a "serial comma." Here's a great link with arguments for and against.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_comma

Answer 2

There has been a lot of debate over this rule. I have always done it Bob, Joe, and Sally. I think that it is easier to read. My English teacher says that she wants it done that way because she says that it is the more classical way to do it. In other words, Bob, Joe, and Sally is the traditional way that it used to be done. Now days, people are doing Bob, Joe and Sally. It is more of a trend than a rule. Because of this, I think that Bob, Joe, and Sally is the correct way to do it, but it is a matter of opinion. Some teachers specify which way they want it to be done, like mine. Otherwise, you can do it however you want.

Answer 3

Grammar is all about COURTESY
You say 'my friends and I' NOT 'I and my friends'. You are polite and put your friends first.
Grammar is also about being a grown-up.
A 2yr old child will say "I played with Jane and I played with Mary and Miyah and John and then I drewed a house and I drawed a cat and
(here they will take a big breath and continue)
Adults use commas to create a breathing space and not run out of breath.
Adults say I had sex with Jane,(comma) Mary, (comma) Miyah, (comma) but as you get to the end you can pause and use the word AND with NO comma and John.
So if you use what I used to tell my students was "a breathing word such as AND, BUT and BECAUSE you do not need a comma.
The students used to laugh because I dramatised the small child thing and would nearly collapse out of breath BUT they did their work,(comma) did it correctly, (comma) and came back to see me years after they left school; (not a full stop because although I died it's not the end of the story ......... (all those little dots mean I am still alive life goes on.)

Answer 4

Though it is taught as "Bob, Joe, and Sally" it is also acceptable to be written without the second comma. It could not be assumed as one thing because you only put commas between three things. I understand people's point of views who tell me that the "one comma" method is correct... but it is not. The two comma rule is ultimately right. The one comma method is not correct, but acceptable.

Answer 5

No comma in "Bob, Joe and Sally".

If you are listing things or names, there is no comma before 'and'.

You don't usually put a comma before 'and', although sometimes it's necessary to avoid confusion.
e.g.
Bob took a photo of Sally and all the cows in the field stood and watched.
Bob took a photo of Sally, and all the cows in the field stood and watched.

Answer 6

I have always done it like this 'Bob, Joe and Sally' something to do with the fact that the last two subjects are connected with 'and' and so don't form part of a list...
"Eggs, milk, bacon, bread, ketchup, cheese and sausages"
Can't remember why, but I know this is the correct way to do it.

Answer 7

there should be no comma after Joe...the word "and" takes place of the comma as there will be no more to follow after Sally...

Answer 8

it depends which style you're using, e.g. Chicago, AP (Associated Press), etc. if using AP style, it would read: Bob, Joe and Sally. Colleges and businesses commonly use AP style.