comma before 'and' [serial comma]: big bikes, big cars, and big boats

[Camlearner]

Hi

Before and have comma? For example, I love big bike, big car(,) and big boat.

Thanks

 

[chamyto]

I think it is not necessary, because you are telling the last one you love.

 

[Camlearner]

Hi chamyto

somtimes I read, I see people write, sometimes no..but if anybody know the standard rule to use or not to use?

Thanks

 

[timpeac]

I think I have seen this question here before - I think it's acceptable either to put a comma before "and" at the end of a list or not.

ps - it should be I love big cars etc in the plural.

 

[Camlearner]

Hi timpeac thank you so mean the standard (formal letter) use about the comma here has 2 !

 

[JulianStuart]

There are two rules: one rule is "Use a comma" before and (before the last in the list of things) and the other rule is "Don't use a comma" You should follow one rule or the other and not switch back and forth. The "Rule" that says "Use a comma" can be found by searching for "Harvard comma" or "Oxford comma", the style guides of both outfits recommend the use of the comma. Others don't.

 

[timpeac]

Hi timpeac thank you so mean the standard (formal letter) use about the comma here has 2 !

Hi Camlearner, No I don't think I mean that. There is no standard formal letter grammar standards. I mean that, as far as I know, both

I love big bikes, big cars and big boats.

and

I love big bikes, big cars, and big boats.

are acceptable.

 

[Camlearner]

Thank you JulianStuart and timpeac for your help. So finally : 2 rules that are ok acceptable!