Conjunctions and Lists

Learning Objectives

  • Demonstrate the standard uses of commas with conjunctions and in lists

Coordinating Conjunctions: FANBOYS

Coordinating conjunctions are words that join two words or phrases of equal importance. The mnemonic FANBOYS helps us remember the seven most common:

  • for
  • and
  • nor
  • but
  • or
  • yet
  • so

When these conjunctions join two words or phrases, no comma is necessary. Let’s take a look at the two examples.

Examples: Joining two words or phrases

Example 1: Paula and Lucca had a great time on their date.

Paula and Lucca are two names, connected with a conjunction, and.

Example 2: Minh turned off the lights but left the door unlocked.

“Turned off” and “left” are both actions that Minh took. Both actions are connected by a conjunction, and.

However, when these conjunctions are used to join two independent clauses (or words that could otherwise stand on their own as complete sentences), a comma is required:

Example: Joining Independent clauses

Danny studied the lifespan of rhinoceroses in their native Kenya, and he also studied the lifespan of rhinoceroses in captivity.

  • Danny studied the lifespan of rhinoceroses in their native Kenya. (This could be a sentence.)
  • He also studied the lifespan of rhinoceroses in captivity. (This could also be a sentence.)

So, when we join these two with the conjunction “and,” we also need to add a comma. We could write this as two separate sentences, but we’ve chosen to join them together here.

Commas in Lists

The serial comma, also known as the Oxford comma, is the comma placed before the conjunction (such as and, or, nor) in a series of three or more items. The rules surrounding the serial comma are contested; different style guides have varying rules on its usage:

  • MLA, APA, and Chicago styles require the serial comma.
  • AP style (commonly used in journalism) recommends omitting it.

Using the serial comma can help improve clarity, especially in complex lists.

Examples: The serial Comma

Example 1: Simple Lists

Without the serial comma:
“I am industrious, resourceful and loyal.”

With the serial comma:
“I am industrious, resourceful, and loyal.”

While both are grammatically correct, the serial comma eliminates potential ambiguity.

Example 2: Complex Lists

“Medical histories taken about each subject included smoking history, frequency of exercise, current height and weight and recent weight gain.”

Without the serial comma, it may seem like current height and weight and recent weight gain are grouped together. Adding the serial comma clarifies the intended separation:
“Medical histories taken about each subject included smoking history, frequency of exercise, current height and weight, and recent weight gain.”

Example 3: Avoiding Misinterpretation

Without the serial comma:
“I’d like to thank my sisters, Beyoncé and Rhianna.”

This suggests that the speaker is thanking their two sisters, who are named Beyoncé and Rhianna (which could be possible but isn’t true in this case).

With the serial comma:
“I’d like to thank my sisters, Beyoncé, and Rhianna.”

Now, it’s clear the speaker is thanking three separate entities: their sisters, as well as the two famous singers Beyoncé and Rhianna.

By always using a comma before the “and” in any series of three or more you avoid any potential reader confusion.

Watch iT

This video explains the reasons why the serial or Oxford comma is still up for debate, and how you can decide when to use it.

You can view the transcript for “Grammar’s Great Divide- The Oxford comma- TED-Ed” here (opens in new window).

Try It

See if you can place the commas or semicolons in their correct locations in the following interactive: