THE SERIAL COMMA page 49 everyday editing

What is the serial comma ? No, it has nothing to do with breakfast – that’s CEREAL We mean serial as in a series, a list. There are different kinds of commas. Today we’ll explore the serial comma

The power of three When do you need a serial comma ? Basically when there are 3 or more items in your list. If I write a list of actions such as : He read a book, wrote an essay, and cleaned the garage. I use a serial comma to separate the items. Notice how all my verbs are all written past tense. They match. I didn’t say he is reading a book, wrote and essay and cleaning the garage.

Invitation to notice “ His room smelled of cooked grease, Lysol, and age.” -Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. What do you notice about this author’s sentence ?

Invitation to Imitate Hector’s room smelled of gym socks, Hot Cheetos, and lies. Mr. Anderson’s notebook Now you try _________ smells of _________, ___________, and (place) (list 3 things) ______________. How did you do using serial commas? If time look at books in the room to find other examples of the serial comma.