The Serial Comma

Let's move on without it. It's becoming less and less common.

Examples:

• Robotic surgery is used for gynecologic, thoracic and urologic procedures.


• Her research focus is primarily bone marrow failure, metabolic disorders and novel gene therapy.

*Note - at times a serial comma can help avoid ambiguity - and in this case they are acceptable.

Examples:

• The Paquette building houses urology, obstetrics and gynecology, and cardiology. (Without the serial comma, the list looks awkward.)


• The lab houses Dr. Paquette, a nurse, and a psychiatrist. (Without the serial comma, the occupants could be mistaken as one person, who is a nurse and a psychiatrist. The serial comma establishes a list of three lab occupants.)