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Old 11-22-2008, 10:37 AM
Prizmz Prizmz is offline
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Default Question for Teachers or Grammar Experts

Both versions are acceptable, but the latter is better because the last comma clearly separates the final items in the series. When the final comma is omitted, there is a chance the final two items become a unit like peanutbutter and jelly or ham and eggs.

The clearest use is to include one fewer commas than items in a series.

The introductory adverbial clause should be marked with a comma before "Mary" for clarity between the two elements of the thought. The rule cites the length of the introduction as the factor to use a comma or not to create lucidity.