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Eff Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
Commas when enumerating
Hi all,
I´ve found an interesting website about use of commas (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_commaproof.html ) and this surprised me:
Place commas after each word, phrase, or clause in the series (except the last one, as demonstrated in this sentence: no comma after the word clause). Examples:
People who are trying to reduce saturated fat in their diets should avoid eggs, meat, and tropical oils.
The candidate promised to lower taxes, protect the environment, reduce crime, and end unemployment.
Is the same rule applied also in the British English?
Thank you.
I´ve found an interesting website about use of commas (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_commaproof.html ) and this surprised me:
Place commas after each word, phrase, or clause in the series (except the last one, as demonstrated in this sentence: no comma after the word clause). Examples:
People who are trying to reduce saturated fat in their diets should avoid eggs, meat, and tropical oils.
The candidate promised to lower taxes, protect the environment, reduce crime, and end unemployment.
Is the same rule applied also in the British English?
Thank you.
Top answer
I don't know about BrE. I was taught in the US in the 40's that the last comma is optional. The site you cite has to be good.
- I don't know about BrE.
- I was taught in the US in the 40's that the last comma is optional.
- The site you cite has to be good.
- It's the one GG recommended to me.
- - A.
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5 Answers
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I don't know about BrE. I was taught in the US in the 40's that the last comma is optional.
The site you cite has to be good. It's the one GG recommended to me.
- A.
The site you cite has to be good. It's the one GG recommended to me.
- A.
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Thank you for your response.
And what about using commas after a year, as in this case:
In 1712, he encountered problems in trade and decided to escape with money stolen from his clients.
Shoud I use a comma?
And what about using commas after a year, as in this case:
In 1712, he encountered problems in trade and decided to escape with money stolen from his clients.
Shoud I use a comma?
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I wouldn't use it when it stands alone. As one of several items expressing the same time, I'd treat it like an address, setting off the items. (except no comma between US state and zip code)
I wouldn't use it here, either: In December of 1712 he encountered problems.
But I'd use it here: In December, 1712, he encountered problems.
(I'm pr
I wouldn't use it here, either: In December of 1712 he encountered problems.
But I'd use it here: In December, 1712, he encountered problems.
(I'm pr
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These are matters of style. In most cases, when you have only month-year, you don't separate them with a comma. So you would write "He came here in June 2003."
However, you DO put a comma after the year in the full date, as well as after the state when you have a city/state in running text: She was born on January 16, 1997, in Brunswick, Maine, on a very, very cold day.
However, you DO put a comma after the year in the full date, as well as after the state when you have a city/state in running text: She was born on January 16, 1997, in Brunswick, Maine, on a very, very cold day.
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By the way, that last comma before "and" is called the Oxford or serial comma. I use it almost religiously. Its use is also a matter of style. Use it all the time or don't but don't mix it up and use it sometimes and not others.
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