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Snarf Posted 14 years ago
Letter Writing

The List Comma

Hello. What is more modern or better regarding commas before "and" at the end of a list? For example:

He went to the store and bought eggs, ham, and bread.

Is it better with or without the comma after "ham?" And does one form of writing prefer one way over the other, e.g., novel writing versus letter writing?

Thanks.
  

Top answer

It is variously called the serial comma, the Oxford comma and the Harvard comma. I grew up without it, so it looks funny to me, but I think most people use it. The form of writing does not matter, but the style guide for the publication does.

— Enoon

  • It is variously called the serial comma, the Oxford comma and the Harvard comma.
  • I grew up without it, so it looks funny to me, but I think most people use it.
  • The form of writing does not matter, but the style guide for the publication does.
  • American newspapers don't use it in simple lists, for instance.
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4 Answers
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It is variously called the serial comma, the Oxford comma and the Harvard comma. I grew up without it, so it looks funny to me, but I think most people use it. The form of writing does not matter, but the style guide for the publication does. American newspapers don't use it in simple lists, for instance.
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HI,

I never even heard of such a comma until it was asked about on this Forum. I've never used it.

Clive
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You mean you never read anything where it was actually used, or you never heard the name "serial comma?"
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Hi,

You mean you never read anything where it was actually used, Not much. And If I did, I considered it wrong. It still seems to me unnecessary and even odd to pause there.


or you never heard the name "serial comma?" Yes, never heard it.

Clive
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