When to Use a Comma Before "and":
* In a list of three or more items:
* Example: "I bought apples, oranges, and bananas."
* To separate two independent clauses (complete sentences):
* Example: "The sun was shining, and the birds were singing."
When Not to Use a Comma Before "and":
* When "and" joins two words or phrases that act as a single unit:
* Example: "We went to the store and bought groceries."
* When "and" is used to connect two dependent clauses, where one depends on the other for its meaning:
* Example: "I went to the park because it was sunny and I wanted to play."
Important Note:
The rule about using a comma before "and" in a list of three or more items is a bit of a gray area. Some style guides suggest using the comma in all cases, while others allow it to be omitted.
Ultimately, the best way to determine whether to use a comma before "and" is to consider the clarity and flow of the sentence. If the comma makes the sentence easier to understand, then use it.