Google Answers Logo
View Question
 
Q: English punctuation ( Answered 5 out of 5 stars,   6 Comments )
Question  
Subject: English punctuation
Category: Reference, Education and News
Asked by: asiyah-ga
List Price: $2.00
Posted: 14 Feb 2006 22:06 PST
Expires: 16 Mar 2006 22:06 PST
Question ID: 445970
Can word "and" be used after using "comma" in a sentence?
Answer  
Subject: Re: English punctuation
Answered By: rainbow-ga on 14 Feb 2006 23:41 PST
Rated:5 out of 5 stars
 
Hi asiyah,

Yes, a comma can be used before the word "and".


When you write a sentence containing a list of items, you will need to
use a comma to separate the items. For example:

He brought coffee, sandwiches, cheese and soda. 

This sentence contains a list of four items. There are commas after
coffee and sandwiches, to separate the items. After cheese, the word
and is used instead; however, you can also include a comma BEFORE and
if you like:

He brought coffee, sandwiches, cheese, and soda. 

This comma is optional. However, you MUST include the word and.

Source: Using Commas
http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/330/grammar/comma.htm


I hope this helps.

Best regards,
Rainbow
asiyah-ga rated this answer:5 out of 5 stars
It is a great facility to improve knowledge. I feel confident when my
son poses a question. Adding tip looks cheap

Comments  
Subject: Re: English punctuation
From: geof-ga on 15 Feb 2006 01:23 PST
 
My own view is that in a simple list, like Rainbow's list above, a
comma is NOT needed, and can even be confusing - it makes it look as
though buying the soda was an afterthought. But you will see that I
have used a comma before "and" (after "needed") in the sentence before
this, where the "and" links two clauses, and (done it again!) where a
break helps the reader make sense of the text.
Subject: Re: English punctuation
From: myoarin-ga on 15 Feb 2006 03:30 PST
 
I can think of an additional case when a comma before "and" would be appropriate:
"The snackbar serves different types of sandwiches:  BLTs, ham and
cheese, and peanut butter and jelly."
In this case, the comma is necessary to signify that "ham and cheese"
is one type of sandwich and "peanut butter and jelly" is a different
type.

A foreigner  - admittedly -  might be led to think that there are also
peanut butter sandwiches and jelly sandwiches, which do exist, but
Americans would recognize that this is one type of sandwich.
Oh, and perhaps I should explain that a "BLT" is a "bacon, lettuce and
tomato" sandwich.
Subject: Re: English punctuation
From: rogerwilco-ga on 15 Feb 2006 04:39 PST
 
I agree with Myoarin's comment. But it's good to note that always
using a comma before "and" at the end of a list ("apples, eggs, and
oranges") is generally expected in American English, while not using
the comma ("apples, eggs and oranges") is generally expected in
British English. Not that there aren't exceptions, but this is a
national difference. Geof's point that commas follow 'and's used to
connect sentences is also spot on.

-Roger
Subject: Re: English punctuation
From: amber00-ga on 15 Feb 2006 14:35 PST
 
What Myoarin is describing is known as an 'Oxford comma'.
G@@gle on "Oxford comma" and you will find a number of descriptions and examples.
Subject: Re: English punctuation
From: myoarin-ga on 16 Feb 2006 07:28 PST
 
Yes, that is one use of the Oxford comma, obligatory in my example. 
The Oxford comma is also, however, inserted before "and" in any
series.  I believe it was once more acceptable and common, and rather
suspect that it is now not as common in America as Rogerwilco
suggests.
Subject: Re: English punctuation
From: valbyrne-ga on 16 Feb 2006 11:28 PST
 
Correct AP style (journalistic writing) maintains no comma before the "and."
E.g. "He brought coffee, sandwiches, cheese and soda."

Important Disclaimer: Answers and comments provided on Google Answers are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. Google does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in answers or comments. Please read carefully the Google Answers Terms of Service.

If you feel that you have found inappropriate content, please let us know by emailing us at answers-support@google.com with the question ID listed above. Thank you.
Search Google Answers for
Google Answers  


Google Home - Answers FAQ - Terms of Service - Privacy Policy