COMMAS IN A SERIES

 What is a series? A series is a list of words.

COMMAS IN A SERIES  Use commas to separate three or more words or phrases in a series.  A conjunction goes between the last two items of the series. ****While some may teach that the comma before the conjunction is optional, leaving it out may cause confusion, so it is better to ALWAYS include it.

WORDS Ex) The student brought pencils pens and crayons to class. Ex) Sausage cheese and pickles are on the pizza. Ex) Dan’s animals are named Lilly Millie Gilly and Billy.

PHRASES Ex) This morning I woke up got dressed brushed my teeth and ate breakfast. Ex) In fact, the bus was full of people who got dressed who brushed their teeth and who ate breakfast this morning.

WHY IS THIS INCORRECT? Incorrect: The street was filled with angry protestors, shouting spectators and police. (Leaving out the last comma makes it look like the police were shouting, too.) Correct: The street was filled with angry protestors, shouting spectators, and police. (Makes it clearer.)

READ THE PARAGRAPH AND INSERT THE COMMAS WHERE THEY ARE NEEDED. (8) The Gaston family arrived at the park. Lily Amelia and mom shook out the picnic blanket. Dad carried the basket the drinks and the toys from the car. Everyone ate some salad a sandwich and a fruit. James Pat and Paul were at the park with their parents, too. The children played tag and fed the ducks. Later, the Gaston's shared their desert with the Nair family. The picnic was a great success!

The Gaston family arrived at the park. Lily, Amelia, and mom shook out the picnic blanket. Dad carried the basket, the drinks, and the toys from the car. Everyone ate some salad, a sandwich, and a fruit. James, Pat, and Paul were at the park with their parents, too. The children played tag and fed the ducks. Later, the Gaston's shared their desert with the Nair family. The picnic was a great success!