To Comma or Not to Comma

Today is National Punctuation Day! To celebrate, let's talk about why you should always use the serial comma.

From Strunk and White's The Elements of Style:

In a series of three or more terms with a single conjunction, use a comma after each term except the last.

Thus, write,

• red, white, and blue
• gold, silver, or copper
• He opened the letter, read it, and made a note of its contents.

This comma is often referred to as the "serial" comma.

From Words into Type:

In a series of the form a, b, and c or red, white, and blue most publishers prefer a comma (sometimes called the serial comma) before the conjunction, whether the items of the series are words, phrases, or clauses. The consistent use of this comma is recommended, for in many sentences it is essential for clarity. [...]

In the examples to follow, the use of the serial comma is necessary to prevent misreading. A series of personal names should have the comma before the conjunction to prevent the first name of the series being construed as a noun in direct address.

• "Anna, May and Walter are here." [Might be read as telling Anna that May and Walter are here.]
• "Anna, May, and Walter are here." [Can mean only that three persons are here.]

Now go forth and punctuate correctly.

Thanks to click for the link.