No Commas When Conjunctions Separate Every Item in a Series
The Comma
Rulebase Summary
When conjunctions (and, or, nor) appear between every item in a series, do not use any commas. The conjunctions themselves provide the separation.
Morson's Rule 44 · p.31 BGGP Series.1 · p.374
Examples
✗
A. I checked the front door, and the back door, and the garage.
✓
A. I checked the front door and the back door and the garage.
Conjunctions between every item — no commas needed.
✗
A. He could not say whether it was Monday, or Tuesday, or Wednesday.
✓
A. He could not say whether it was Monday or Tuesday or Wednesday.
When 'or' appears between all items, omit commas.
Style Guide References (2)
Morson's
Rule 44
Page 31
BGGP
Series.1
Page 374