Also called the serial comma, it’s the comma at the end of a list that comes before the word “and” (and sometimes “or”). A comma before “and”? Good God, is the world coming to an end?
We’ve all been taught that putting a comma before “and” will make your hand fall off. My Common Entrance lessons teacher used to say, “You can’t put a comma before ‘and’ because ‘and’ is a comma.” I’ve even had clients call me up, gagging, “Miss! You put a comma before ‘and’!”
Which is why I can’t control a naughty giggle when I use one–which is often. Makes me feel like a rebel.
But the serial comma is very useful for clarifying items in a list. If the items in a list are clear, you don’t need it: “I bought new towels, sheets and pillowcases.” But when it gets confusing, when it is hard to know if the last two items are separate entities or go together, you use it. “The only people who came to my party were my brothers, Machel and Keith Rowley.” Sooo, are Machel and Keith my brothers? Maybe if I said “my brothers, Machel, and Keith Rowley” it would be clearer.
Anyhow you slice it, love ‘em or hate ‘em, be consistent. Use serial commas throughout your piece where applicable, or don’t use them at all.
That’s my two cents. What’s yours? Leave a comment.
