How to Use Commas as Part of a List
Do you find commas confusing? Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Commas have a variety of functions yet many people are uncertain of how to use them. The main purpose of a comma is to clarify meaning by grouping together specific parts of the sentence. Each group within the sentence is separated by a comma which marks a slight break.
Over the year we’ll share tips and advice on the different uses of a comma. This week we’re starting with how to use commas as part of a list.
A comma should be used between the different parts of a list.
For example:
- We need to buy potatoes, spinach, soap, and nail polish remover.
- Next week I’m working on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Do I need to use a serial comma?
The last comma in a list (which appears before the word ‘and’) is called a serial or Oxford commas. Some people prefer not to use this comma unless the meaning of the sentence is affected.
For example:
- My favourite foods are jacket potatoes, quiche, spaghetti and fish and chips.
In the above sentence (which doesn’t have a serial comma), it isn’t clear whether the person is listing ‘fish’ and ‘chips’ as separate types of favourite food or if they are listing ‘fish and chips’ in combination as a type of meal.
A serial comma would help clear things up:
- My favourite foods are jacket potatoes, quiche, spaghetti, fish, and chips.
In this case, ‘fish’ is one type of favourite food and ‘chips’ are another.
- My favourite foods are jacket potatoes, quiche, spaghetti, and fish and chips.
In this case, ‘fish and chips’ together are a type of favourite food.
What if I need to use commas within the separate parts of my list?
In some lists, you may need to use semi colons, as well as commas, to create a stronger break.
For example:
- Each student requires two pairs of shoes, including wellington boots; a waterproof jacket, which should have a hood; a change of clothes; and sun cream which has a rating of at least SPF 30.
- My family have had a very unlucky week: my mother’s purse was stolen, which means she had to cancel and replace all her cards; my father broke his leg a few days later and is now in a plaster cast; and my sister found out her cat, Michaela, had run away.
Where can I find other articles about punctuation?
Stay tuned for more advice on how to use commas. Have a great week!
31 Jan 2017
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