Hi, I was wondering what is the correct way of using a comma while using three examples. For instance, "I would like for John, Amy, and Steven to..." OR "I would like for John, Amy and Steven to..."?
I was taught to have that last comma but others are telling me otherwise.

Question

Hi, I was wondering what is the correct way of using a comma while using three examples. For instance, "I would like for John, Amy, and Steven to..." OR "I would like for John, Amy and Steven to..."?
I was taught to have that last comma but others are telling me otherwise.

jagatuba · Answer

For lists with more than two items you need a comma after the second to last item (before the word 'and'). Your first example is correct.

anonymous · Answer

It is not necessary to use the last comma (before the 'and'). However, in school, teachers usually insist upon it. "This last comma—the one between the word "and" and the preceding word—is often called the serial comma or the Oxford comma. In newspaper writing, incidentally, you will seldom find a serial comma, but that is not necessarily a sign that it should be omitted in academic prose." http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/commas.htm

jagatuba · Answer

Yes I have to agree Peeps. I have been marked for missing it mant times, but I have never been marked for having it.