Commas in a Series

According to the Chicago Manual of Style, commas should be used before the and in a series of three or more items.

I need to buy milk, juice, and soda.

However, journalists us the Associated Press Stylebook and often leave out the final comma because print space is valuable and the meaning of the sentence would not change.

I need to buy milk, juice and soda.

Journalists will use the final comma if the sentence would be confusing otherwise. Without the final comma in the example below, the sentence would mean that the son and nephew had to split one third, not that they each got a fourth.

The estate was split between the husband, daughter, son, and nephew.

It is important to realize how much one little comma can drastically change a sentence. Be sure to place commas carefully when writing.

 

Try It!

Add commas to the sentences below according to the Chicago Manual of Style.

1. I would like mustard ketchup and relish on my hot dog.

2. He bought pants a shirt and two ties.

3. Martha visited her uncle aunt and cousin.

 

Add commas to the sentences below according to the Associated Press Stylebook.

4. The fire destroyed the store the apartment above and a storage shed.

5. Fran likes dogs cats and horses.

6. Frank left some money to his wife sister daughter and son.

 

Answers:

1. I would like mustard, ketchup, and relish on my hot dog.

2. He bought pants, a shirt, and two ties.

3. Martha visited her uncle, aunt, and cousin.

4. The fire destroyed the store, the apartment above and a storage shed.

5. Fran likes dogs, cats and horses.

6. Frank left some money to his wife, sister, daughter, and son.