mazakaal Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 We're up to comma rules in AG, which includes using commas to separate items in a series. I know that here in the UK a comma is not used before the 'and' and the last item in the series. I like chocolate cake, cookies and ice cream. NOT I like chocolate cake, cookies, and ice cream. But I'm wondering if that rule applies when the items in a series are phrases or clauses. I like to take long walks, ride my bike to the beach and swim at the local pool. OR I like to take long walks, ride my bike to the beach, and swim at the local pool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freerange Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 Phrases & clauses shouldn't make any difference, unless they include an 'and' which could make the sentence confusing, e.g. My favourite foods are eggs, salt and vinegar crisps, and chips. Read the sentence. If it makes sense without a comma it doesn't need a comma. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mazakaal Posted May 16, 2011 Author Share Posted May 16, 2011 Okay, thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hedgehog Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 We're up to comma rules in AG, which includes using commas to separate items in a series. I know that here in the UK a comma is not used before the 'and' and the last item in the series. I like chocolate cake, cookies and ice cream. NOT I like chocolate cake, cookies, and ice cream. But I'm wondering if that rule applies when the items in a series are phrases or clauses. I like to take long walks, ride my bike to the beach and swim at the local pool. OR I like to take long walks, ride my bike to the beach, and swim at the local pool. It's funny, I instinctively put a comma in before the "and", but my mum (brilliant linguist) says you shouldn't put one in. Megan - if you were back in North America, would it be right to have the comma there, before the "and"? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mazakaal Posted May 16, 2011 Author Share Posted May 16, 2011 Yes, I was taught to always put the comma in before the 'and.' I still do it, but I gave ds the option to either do it the American way or the British way. But he's not allowed to switch between them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momling Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 I think this wikipedia entry is really useful and interesting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_comma Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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