Common mistake Warn when the serial comma is not used

Common Mistakes in English Grammar

English grammar can be a challenge, even for native speakers. With so many rules and exceptions, it's easy to make mistakes. In this article, we'll explore one common error that often goes unnoticed - the omission of the serial comma.

What is the Serial Comma?

The serial comma, also known as the Oxford comma or Harvard comma, is the comma used before the conjunction in a list of three or more items. For example:

I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.

In this sentence, the serial comma appears after "oranges" and before "and." It helps to clarify the separation between each item in the list.

The Importance of the Serial Comma

The serial comma is crucial for avoiding ambiguity in sentences. Without it, the meaning of a sentence can be misinterpreted. Let's look at an example:

I invited my parents, Tom and Jerry.

In this sentence, it's unclear whether "Tom and Jerry" refers to two additional guests or is a part of the parents' names. By using the serial comma, we can eliminate this confusion:

I invited my parents, Tom, and Jerry.

Common Mistakes and Examples

Many people tend to omit the serial comma without realizing the impact it can have on the clarity of their writing. Here are a few common mistakes:

Incorrect: The flag is red, white and blue.
Correct: The flag is red, white, and blue.

Incorrect: She is a writer, singer and dancer.
Correct: She is a writer, singer, and dancer.

The Solution: Linguix Grammar Checker

Strengthening your English grammar skills can be a time-consuming task. Thankfully, there are tools available to help you improve your writing. One such tool is the Linguix Grammar Checker. With its advanced algorithms, Linguix can identify and highlight the omission of serial commas, ensuring your writing is clear and error-free.

Warn when the serial comma is not used mistake examples

Incorrect:
She speaks Spanish, German and French.

Correct:
She speaks Spanish, German, and French.
Incorrect:
She took a photograph of her parents, the president and the vice president.

Correct:
She took a photograph of her parents, the president, and the vice president.
Incorrect:
Would you like tea, coffee, water or wine?

Correct:
Would you like tea, coffee, water, or wine?
Incorrect:
Will you use my car, your car or the train?

Correct:
Will you use my car, your car, or the train?
Incorrect:
Art is used in rituals, performances and dances as a decoration or symbol.

Correct:
Art is used in rituals, performances, and dances as a decoration or symbol.
Incorrect:
He likes singing, dancing and playing.

Correct:
He likes singing, dancing, and playing.
Incorrect:
Internet traffic systems currently run faster in Australia, Europe and even South America.

Correct:
Internet traffic systems currently run faster in Australia, Europe, and even South America.
Incorrect:
On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Lindy Donoho will be available.

Correct:
On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday Lindy Donoho will be available.
Incorrect:
The first identified case was in Japan in 1996, and strains have since been found in hospitals in England, France and the US.

Correct:
The first identified case was in Japan in 1996, and strains have since been found in hospitals in England, France, and the US.
Incorrect:
Cement clinker, coal, wheat, diesel and LPG.

Correct:
Cement clinker, coal, wheat, diesel, and LPG.
Incorrect:
Decorate your table, your house and even yourself with ideas from Kid's Domain.

Correct:
Decorate your table, your house, and even yourself with ideas from Kid's Domain.
Correct:
She speaks Spanish, German, and French.
Correct:
Irina, a singer and actress, was born in Poland.
Correct:
Zone 5 starts in Madison, Georgia and ends in Fairgax, Virginia.
Correct:
Also, Dan and Bob want to pow wow on the questions and the policy early next week.
Correct:
Yeah, mom and dad got back over the weekend.
Correct:
Following a productive dialogue, Apple and the plaintiffs in the Cameron et al. v. Apple Inc. developer suit reached an agreement that identifies seven key priorities
Correct:
Now, EPA and others are wanting 2 ppm, again based on vague data.
Correct:
Later he was with GC\u0026amp;CS; in the Heliopolis Museum, Cairo and then in the Villa Laurens, Alexandria.
Correct:
They became polarised into two camps, with Marx and Bakunin as their respective figureheads.
Correct:
The International Time Bureau began a time scale, Tm or AM, in July 1955, using both local caesium clocks and ...
Correct:
Generally who visits their parents the most, sons or daughters?
Correct:
While he was growing up, his father and Nick Bollettieri trained him in this way.
Correct:
Since being introduced by Portuguese in the 16th century, maize and manioc have replaced traditional African...
Correct:
Which do you like better, summer or winter?
Correct:
With the rise of space tourism, NASA and the Russian Federal Space Agency agreed to use...
Correct:
On the other hand, consonants and vowels are written as independent letters.
Correct:
In spite of their various differences, Joan and Ann are friends.
Correct:
In addition to buses, Calgary and Edmonton operate light rail transit systems.
Correct:
It was Branchus, son or lover of Apollo.
Correct:
His father was Hermann Einstein, a salesman and engineer.
Correct:
Recorded by Ptolemy, the geographer and astronomer from Alexandria
Correct:
... and according to Alberta Economic Development, Calgary and Edmonton both host over four million visitors.
Correct:
According to Alberta Economic Development, Calgary and Edmonton both host over four million visitors.
Correct:
I like both chips and eggs and pie and peas.
Correct:
Gulf Air, Air Arabia, Air India, PIA and others also provide services to Afghanistan.
Correct:
Legislative power is vested in the President, the government and parliament.
Correct:
This music focuses on themes in love, religious and epic.
Correct:
But in some jurisdictions, the state or prosecution may appeal "as of right" from a trial.
Correct:
Likewise, in some jurisdictions, the state or prosecution may appeal an issue of law "by leave".
Correct:
Meanwhile, plains and foothills are characterized by high solar radiation.
Correct:
Chapter 2: Albedo, a whitening or leucosis
Correct:
Barnett, William and John Hoopes (editors).
Correct:
Today, separation and divorce are not as frowned upon.
Correct:
... breeding site, the males usually arriving first, calling and setting up territories.
Correct:
Carl Jung, Man and His Symbols.
Correct:
... his first visit to Paris as a gift to his hosts, Robert and Mabel Schirmer.
Correct:
Whenever an army is raised for common defense, colonels and military ranks below colonel will be named by the...
Correct:
Which is the capital of the United States, Washington or New York?
Correct:
Which would you like to have with your bread, butter or cheese?
Correct:
... yields are around 2 t/ha, African under 1 t/ha, Egypt and Arabia up to 3.5 to 4 t/ha with irrigation.
Correct:
While air, water and food are necessary for life, we cannot so easily categorize the prerequisites of happiness.
Correct:
Since rice, maize and manioc have replaced traditional African foods, the ...
Correct:
With cats, dogs and rabbits as the most popular pets for children, we find that ...
Correct:
In Art, Music and Literature, these themes are common.
Correct:
In addition to buses, trams and taxis, popular modes of transport are ...
Correct:
Thanks to television, boys and girls are apt to neglect reading books.
Correct:
When I was little, grandpa and grandma would come to baby-sit.
Correct:
I like animals, for example, cats and dogs.
Correct:
The mermaids, wood and house goblins, werewolves, nix, and different kinds of ...
Correct:
There are two doctors in his circle of friends, a surgeon and an ophthalmologist.
Correct:
The town in ruins, burning, people and children being killed.
Incorrect:
Humans have five senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell.

Correct:
Humans have five senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.
Correct:
Massage well into damp hair, lather and rinse.
Correct:
Yesterday, Peter and I went to the zoo.
Correct:
I saw a wolf, a fox, and a rabbit.
Correct:
On Wednesday, Dabhol and the board are due for the second time to meet a committee set up by the state government to negotiate a solution.
Correct:
Look guys, the window and even the kitchen door have both been left open!
Correct:
To each question, the catechumen, or, in the case of an infant, the parents and sponsor(s) (godparent(s)) in his or her place, answers "I do."
Correct:
The Royal Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force has around 260 members dispersed between the line infantry regiment, service and support unit and coast guard.

Incorrect:
While air, water and food are necessary for life, we cannot so easily categorize the prerequisites of happiness.

Correct:
While air, water, and food are necessary for life, we cannot so easily categorize the prerequisites of happiness.
Incorrect:
Since rice, maize and manioc have replaced traditional African foods, the ...

Correct:
Since rice, maize, and manioc have replaced traditional African foods, the ...
Incorrect:
With cats, dogs and rabbits as the most popular pets for children, we find that ...

Correct:
With cats, dogs, and rabbits as the most popular pets for children, we find that ...
Incorrect:
In Art, Music and Literature, these themes are common.

Correct:
In Art, Music, and Literature, these themes are common.
Correct:
She speaks Spanish, German and French.
Correct:
In addition, Continental and Delta are counting double miles earned through November 15 toward elite status.
Correct:
But today, commerce and security is COMPLETELY DEPENDENT on those systems.
Correct:
In particular, Bosnia and Herzegovina were among the stronger players with a growth of 20%.
Correct:
In Europe, lesbian and gay evangelical Christians have a European forum.
Correct:
In one, Carley and Erin look like sisters.
Correct:
She took a photograph of her parents, the president and the vice president.
Correct:
Would you like tea, coffee, water or wine?
Correct:
How will you go to the city? Will you use my car, your car or the train?
Correct:
She speaks Spanish, German, and French.
Correct:
Irina, a singer and actress, was born in Poland.
Correct:
They became polarised into two camps, with Marx and Bakunin as their respective figureheads.
Correct:
The International Time Bureau began a time scale, Tm or AM, in July 1955, using both local caesium clocks and ...
Correct:
Generally who visits their parents the most, sons or daughters?
Correct:
While he was growing up, his father and Nick Bollettieri trained him in this way.
Correct:
Since being introduced by Portuguese in the 16th century, maize and manioc have replaced traditional African...
Correct:
Which do you like better, summer or winter?
Correct:
Since then, investors and analysts have been calling with increasing vehemence for the company to divulge full details of its business dealings with other related entities.
Correct:
With the rise of space tourism, NASA and the Russian Federal Space Agency agreed to use...
Correct:
On the other hand, consonants and vowels are written as independent letters.
Correct:
In spite of their various differences, Joan and Ann are friends.
Correct:
In addition to buses, Calgary and Edmonton operate light rail transit systems.
Correct:
It was Branchus, son or lover of Apollo.
Correct:
His father was Hermann Einstein, a salesman and engineer.
Correct:
Recorded by Ptolemy, the geographer and astronomer from Alexandria
Correct:
... and according to Alberta Economic Development, Calgary and Edmonton both host over four million visitors.
Correct:
According to Alberta Economic Development, Calgary and Edmonton both host over four million visitors.
Correct:
I like both chips and eggs and pie and peas.
Correct:
Art, literature and film.
Correct:
Gulf Air, Air Arabia, Air India, PIA and others also provide services to Afghanistan.
Correct:
Art is used in rituals, performances and dances as a decoration or symbol.
Correct:
Legislative power is vested in the President, the government and parliament.
Correct:
This music focuses on themes in love, religious and epic.
Correct:
But in some jurisdictions, the state or prosecution may appeal "as of right" from a trial.
Correct:
Likewise, in some jurisdictions, the state or prosecution may appeal an issue of law "by leave".
Correct:
Meanwhile, plains and foothills are characterized by high solar radiation.
Correct:
Chapter 2: Albedo, a whitening or leucosis
Correct:
Barnett, William and John Hoopes (editors).
Correct:
In 2008, Peter and Jill visited Europe.
Correct:
... breeding site, the males usually arriving first, calling and setting up territories.
Correct:
Carl Jung, Man and His Symbols.
Correct:
... his first visit to Paris as a gift to his hosts, Robert and Mabel Schirmer.
Correct:
Whenever an army is raised for common defense, colonels and military ranks below colonel will be named by the...
Correct:
Which is the capital of the United States, Washington or New York?
Correct:
Which would you like to have with your bread, butter or cheese?
Correct:
... yields are around 2 t/ha, African under 1 t/ha, Egypt and Arabia up to 3.5 to 4 t/ha with irrigation.
Correct:
In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables.
Correct:
Which would you like to have with your bread, butter or cheese?
Correct:
In the drought, many people and animals starved to death.

Incorrect:
Stocking, George, Jr. (Race, Culture and Evolution).

Correct:
Stocking, George, Jr. (Race, Culture, and Evolution).
Correct:
Аля (Alia, male and feminine)

Incorrect:
In addition to buses, trams and taxis, popular modes of transport are ...

Correct:
In addition to buses, trams, and taxis, popular modes of transport are ...
Correct:
In addition to buses, Calgary and Edmonton operate light rail transit systems.
Correct:
In addition to the weather, pilots and organizers must also consider local airspace restrictions.
Correct:
She speaks Spanish, German and French.
Correct:
She took a photograph of her parents, the president and the vice president.
Correct:
Would you like tea, coffee, water or wine?
Correct:
How will you go to the city? Will you use my car, your car or the train?
Correct:
She speaks Spanish, German, and French.
Correct:
Irina, a singer and actress, was born in Poland.
Correct:
They became polarised into two camps, with Marx and Bakunin as their respective figureheads.
Correct:
The International Time Bureau began a time scale, Tm or AM, in July 1955, using both local caesium clocks and ...
Correct:
Generally who visits their parents the most, sons or daughters?
Correct:
While he was growing up, his father and Nick Bollettieri trained him in this way.
Correct:
Since being introduced by Portuguese in the 16th century, maize and manioc have replaced traditional African...
Correct:
Which do you like better, summer or winter?
Correct:
With the rise of space tourism, NASA and the Russian Federal Space Agency agreed to use...
Correct:
On the other hand, consonants and vowels are written as independent letters.
Correct:
In spite of their various differences, Joan and Ann are friends.
Correct:
In addition to buses, Calgary and Edmonton operate light rail transit systems.
Correct:
It was Branchus, son or lover of Apollo.
Correct:
His father was Hermann Einstein, a salesman and engineer.
Correct:
Recorded by Ptolemy, the geographer and astronomer from Alexandria
Correct:
... and according to Alberta Economic Development, Calgary and Edmonton both host over four million visitors.
Correct:
According to Alberta Economic Development, Calgary and Edmonton both host over four million visitors.
Correct:
I like both chips and eggs and pie and peas.
Correct:
Art, literature and film.
Correct:
Gulf Air, Air Arabia, Air India, PIA and others also provide services to Afghanistan.
Correct:
Art is used in rituals, performances and dances as a decoration or symbol.
Correct:
Legislative power is vested in the President, the government and parliament.
Correct:
This music focuses on themes in love, religious and epic.
Correct:
But in some jurisdictions, the state or prosecution may appeal "as of right" from a trial.
Correct:
Likewise, in some jurisdictions, the state or prosecution may appeal an issue of law "by leave".
Correct:
Meanwhile, plains and foothills are characterized by high solar radiation.
Correct:
Chapter 2: Albedo, a whitening or leucosis
Correct:
Barnett, William and John Hoopes (editors).
Correct:
... breeding site, the males usually arriving first, calling and setting up territories.
Correct:
Carl Jung, Man and His Symbols.
Correct:
... his first visit to Paris as a gift to his hosts, Robert and Mabel Schirmer.
Correct:
Whenever an army is raised for common defense, colonels and military ranks below colonel will be named by the...
Correct:
Which is the capital of the United States, Washington or New York?
Correct:
Which would you like to have with your bread, butter or cheese?
Correct:
... yields are around 2 t/ha, African under 1 t/ha, Egypt and Arabia up to 3.5 to 4 t/ha with irrigation.

Incorrect:
The car is special, fast and nice to look at.

Correct:
The car is special, fast, and nice to look at.
Incorrect:
For instance, icebergs containing impurities can appear brown, grey or green.

Correct:
For instance, icebergs containing impurities can appear brown, grey, or green.
Incorrect:
It, along with the anti psychotic, makes me feel dumb, dull and stupid.

Correct:
It, along with the anti psychotic, makes me feel dumb, dull, and stupid.
Incorrect:
It is wireless, portable and rechargeable, up to 3 hours.

Correct:
It is wireless, portable, and rechargeable, up to 3 hours.
Incorrect:
Her face was small, white and thin, also much freckled.

Correct:
Her face was small, white, and thin, also much freckled.
Incorrect:
This order is arbitrary, capricious and unlawful.

Correct:
This order is arbitrary, capricious, and unlawful.
Incorrect:
Just got this Legendary, however, I have no clue if he is good, great or average?

Correct:
Just got this Legendary, however, I have no clue if he is good, great, or average?

Incorrect:
It's wireless, portable and rechargeable, up to 3 hours.

Correct:
It's wireless, portable, and rechargeable, up to 3 hours.
Incorrect:
For other people, however, trusts are unnecessary, complicated and expensive.

Correct:
For other people, however, trusts are unnecessary, complicated, and expensive.
Incorrect:
If the products are expensive, large or fragile, it refers to safety issues.

Correct:
If the products are expensive, large, or fragile, it refers to safety issues.
Correct:
They quarreled as to which was easier, French or German.

Incorrect:
It's too expensive, inefficient, slow and difficult to roll out and transport.

Correct:
It's too expensive, inefficient, slow, and difficult to roll out, and transport.

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