with or without comma

Question

When we like something we say "I like this, this and this." or "I like this and this and this one too."?In the second sentence should we use a comma or no, and if we should use it, where?Thank you.

Canadian45 · Accepted Answer

adelalucia...When we like something, do we say "I like this, this and this." or "I like this and this and this one too."? Both are correct.
In the second sentence, should we use a comma or not, and if we should use it, where? no comma

RandomGuy · Answer

I prefer

I like this, this, and this.
I like this and this and this one, too.

Victo · Answer

No commas, but personally I like a comma before the sentence-ending 'too'.

I like this and this and this one, too.

Canadian45 · Answer

But what useful purpose does the comma before "too" serve? I don't see any merit at all.

Victo · Answer

It's just one of my idiosyncratic preferences.

Adelalucia · Answer

I understand that both sentences are correct, but is it one used more or is more common than the other one or is just a matter of preference?
Which of the two sentences do you prefer to use?
In both sentences the serial comma is not necessary or, again, is just a matter of preference?

RandomGuy · Answer

adelaluciais one more common than the other

There seems to be a growing trend toward fewer commas, so the one without the comma would probably be more common. However, it has always been my understanding that, strictly speaking, a comma should be used before words like too, please, anyway, though, either, perhaps, however, etc., when they end a sentence.

Canadian45 · Answer

Aspara GusHowever, it has always been my understanding that, strictly speaking, a comma should be used before words like too, please, anyway, though, either, perhaps, however, etc., when they end a sentence.

You won't be surprised to hear me say that that sounds like pure and unjustified prescription. Unfortunately, it's a thousand times easier to prescribe something than to actually teach what a native speaker learns over many years.

I would play it by ear, and sometimes I certainly would use a comma before some of those words.

The example below shows the error of that prescription.

Help me, please.
He's not easy to please.

RandomGuy · Answer

canadian45The example below shows the error of that prescription.

I was referring to adverbs, of course, not verbs.

So, to be more accurate,

… a comma should be used before adverbs like too, please, anyway, though, either, perhaps, however, etc., when they end a sentence.

Do you have any more counterexamples for me?

adelaluciaIn both sentences is the serial comma not necessary

Some would say no, but the serial comma can often help readability and prevent confusion, and I see no sense in sometimes using it and sometimes leaving it out on a case-by-case basis. It’s better to be safe and consistent.

EDIT: It seems I was mistaken in my previous post. The COCA has 37,352 citations for a comma used before too ending a sentence and only 17,257 for no comma.

Canadian45 · Answer

Aspara GusSo, to be more accurate,
… a comma should be used before adverbs like too, please, anyway, though, either, perhaps, however, etc., when they end a sentence.
Do you have any more counterexamples for me? Not like the previous one, and it's good that you took the chance to specify that your comment applied to adverbs.

My main point is that I feel that those commas often are just totally unnecessary.
I saw it too.
He's right though.
It's too late anyway.

The other point is that sometimes the comma can be deliberately used or not used.

1) You have to do it, however. (I presume you agree with the comma here)
2) Do it however. (= I don't care how. Just decide how and do it.) Would you use a comma for that meaning?

Aspara GusSome would say no, but the serial comma can often help readability and prevent confusion, and I see no sense in sometimes using it and sometimes leaving it out on a case-by-case basis. It’s better to be safe and consistent.
I don't agree with that shotgun approach to comma use.

Aspara GusIt seems I was mistaken in my previous post. The COCA has 37,352 citations for a comma used before too ending a sentence and only 17,257 for no comma. But that's a significant minority.

with or without comma

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