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Is a comma really necessary after the last element in a list of three or more?

Technically, using a comma after the last element in a list of three or more is not necessary. However, it does help to ensure that the last two items in the list are not misinterpreted.

Consider these examples:

Uncle Charlie wanted me to pick up some bread, eggs, macaroni, and cheese.
Uncle Charlie wanted me to pick up some bread, eggs, macaroni and cheese.

The last sentence would not be grammatically correct if the desired item was macaroni and cheese due to the lack of a conjunction before the word macaroni. Yet, seeing these two words placed together in this manner would cause someone to question the meaning. According to Aaron, adding a final comma in a list "is never wrong, and it always helps the reader see the last two items as separate".[1]

Conflicting Viewpoints

Even though some say that using a comma at the end of a series is not wrong, there are professional who believe that it is incorrect. For instance, the University of Wisconsin says that usage in this manner should not be done. [2] Whereas the Purdue University says that using the comma before the conjunction is perfectly acceptable. [3] Whether you choose to use a comma after the last item or not, it is very important that you remain consistent throughout the entire work that you are writing.

References

  1. Aaron, Jane. The Little, Brown Compact Handbook With Exercises. 7th ed. New York: Longman, 2010. 310.
  2. "10 Simple Rules for Using Commas." . University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Web. 9 Nov 2013. <http://www.uwosh.edu/faculty_staff/maguirem/10rules.html>.
  3. "Extended Rules for Using Commas." Purdue Online Writing Lab. Purdue University. Web. 9 Nov 2013. <https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/607/02/>.


Composition FAQ

  1. ↑ Aaron, Jane. The Little, Brown Compact Handbook With Exercises. 7th ed. New York: Longman, 2010. 310. Print.
  2. ↑ "10 Simple Rules for Using Commas." . University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Web. 9 Nov 2013. <http://www.uwosh.edu/faculty_staff/maguirem/10rules.html>.
  3. ↑ "Extended Rules for Using Commas." Purdue Online Writing Lab. Purdue University. Web. 9 Nov 2013. <https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/607/02/>.
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