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Video - Can you put a comma before ‘and’?

My most frequently asked question is "Can I put a comma before 'and'?". Good subject for a bit of fun then...

You Tube contains a very large number of videos about how to use apostrophes, so I decided we didn't need any more of those.  I hope to have clarified the weighty matter of the comma and when it is OK to use it before the word 'and'.  It is a mystery to me why this has ever become a matter of such importance in so many people's minds, but it has.  A great number of English teachers over the last couple of generations seem to have hammered into their impressionable students' heads that you should never use a comma before 'and' - but I sometimes find it very useful.

Anyway - have a look at the video and I sincerely hope that all will be very clear from then onwards.  Your comments will be most welcome.

Here is the Video "Can you put a comma before 'and'?"

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Comments

  • “Idea glue”
    A fun video that gives a clear answer to the question

    By RobertStuart on 2010 07 05

  • Thank you Robert!

    By GTG on 2010 07 05

  • The ‘Oxford Comma’? So crucial they named a song after it smile

    http://www.last.fm/music/Vampire+Weekend/_/Oxford+Comma
    http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/3530822107858674277/

    By Steve on 2010 07 14

  • Just shown the video to a 2ndary school teacher who thought it was a very useful tool as she teaches English.

    Now there’s an idea…

    By Jay Blake on 2010 07 17

  • An excellent little video. Clear & simple, for people like me! Thank you.

    By Graham Richards on 2010 07 29

  • I am glad you like it Graham - thank you for the comment.

    By GTG on 2010 07 29

  • Great video!!

    By Cathy Swift on 2010 08 11

  • Great little video, puts it over very simply and clearly .

    The only minor comment on an omission, would be the use of a comma before and in a list. For example, fish, chips, and salt and vinegar.

    This usage clearly separates the last two items to make the itemisation clear.

    By Stuart Smith on 2010 08 11

  • Jane, that is quite one of the best training videos I have seen - so simple yet amazingly effective, and no need to hire actors, venues etc.
    Gillian

    By Gillian Bond on 2010 08 11

 
 
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