When to use a comma before and in a list

• Use a comma before and when connecting two independent clauses.
• Placing a comma before the and that precedes the last item in a list of three or more items is optional.
• The comma before and in a list is called the Oxford comma or serial comma.

  When to use a comma examples

• When to use a comma examples
• Oxford comma
• Comma before and in a list of 3
• Comma after and
• Comma before and examples

Some style guides call for using it, while others call for leaving it out.

• Don’t use a comma before and when connecting an independent clause to a dependent clause or in a list of just two items.

A comma can provide an important pause between parts of a sentence.

But in practice, figuring out where commas belong can be difficult. Rest assured, if you’re slightly confused, you aren’t alone.

Simply put, whether you put a comma before and depends on how you’re using and.

Here’s a quick guide to help you master when to use a comma before and in your writing.

Table of Contents

Comma before and connecting two independent clauses

Do you need a comma before and in lists?

When you don’t need a comma before and

When you need a comma after and

Comma before and connecting two i

when is a comma used before a coordinating conjunction

when is a semicolon used for