Commas in a series are used to separate three or more words, phrases, or items in a list. The commas make the meaning clear and the sentence easier to read.
When listing three or more items, always place a comma between each item in the series.
Commas help avoid confusion and show the reader where one item ends and another begins. Without commas, the sentence can be difficult to understand.
Notice how the meaning changes when commas are not used. Commas can completely change what a sentence means.
Commas go between each item in the series. The last comma, before the word “and” or “or,” is called the Oxford comma. It is used in formal writing for clarity.
Using the Oxford comma is recommended in formal writing because it helps avoid misunderstandings.
Practice writing full sentences with commas in a series to build confidence. Each comma should clearly separate the items without changing the meaning of the sentence.
If you read the sentence aloud, the commas usually match the small pauses you make between items in the list.