To help illustrate my question, consider the following two sentences:
1.) Chad bought apples, oranges, and peaches at the grocery store.
2.) Chad bought apples, oranges and peaches at the grocery store.
Which sentence is correct? I have seen people put a comma after the second item in the series (sentence #1) many times, but have also seen them omit the second comma (sentence #2).
2007-11-17 08:10:02 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
it is known as an Oxford comma or a serial comma.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_comma
2007-11-17 08:20:58 · answer #1 · answered by eisneun 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both are correct, but #1 is the most correct. Judging from some of the sentences and use of punctuation used by the other people on their answers (especially the ones who said #2 is correct and #1 is incorrect), I think they should go to some of those links provided by those very nice people.
2007-11-17 16:21:17 · answer #2 · answered by devilicious_woman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Number 1 is correct, put a comma after all items in a series except the last item. I.E Jim went to the store to buy apples, bannanas, peaches, oranges, water melon, bullets, and a gun.
2007-11-17 16:13:13 · answer #3 · answered by space chimp 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ah, the list question. A comma is used to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written as a series. Number one is correct. Both MLA and APA conventions require a comma before the conjunction preceding the last item in a series.
2007-11-17 16:16:44 · answer #4 · answered by Julia S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sentence #1
2007-11-17 16:13:27 · answer #5 · answered by jcurrieii 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As many have said, either is correct, but I thought I'd share my favorite example sentence for why the first one is preferable to me. It was supposedly in the dedication for a book but I have a feeling it's just one of those too-cute-to-be-true anecdotes.
At any rate, it said "I'd like to thank my parents, God and Ayn Rand." Written without the comma before "and", it appears that the writer's parents were God and Ayn Rand.
What a pairing that would be.
2007-11-17 16:59:24 · answer #6 · answered by Julie J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Believe it or not this is another example of the United States and Great Britain being divided by a common language.
In the United States #1 is correct, in Britain #1 is wrong.
In Britain #2 is correct, in the United States #2 is wrong.
Horses for courses, you take your pick.
2007-11-17 16:51:03 · answer #7 · answered by doshiealan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Proper way I have always been taught it #1. When your listing comma...and before and your still considerd listing. Just because you have seen people do number 2 dosn't mean they are right. They might not know right way. I am certain its #1
2007-11-17 16:13:00 · answer #8 · answered by Leona PH 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The second one. The first will be incorrect. You never put a comma before, and unless after and is starting a whole different complete thought.
Just like I did.
2007-11-17 16:17:26 · answer #9 · answered by CHARLOTTE L 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
sentence #2 is correct. I cannot give you a teacher explanation of why I just remember from school
2007-11-17 16:15:11 · answer #10 · answered by Sundi 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋