The Grass Doctor

When using words in a series do you need a comma before the 'and'?

Which of these sentences, if any, are grammatically incorrect? Bison from New York like to run, jump, and swim in roaming rivers. Bison from Kansas like to eat, sleep and hide in tall grass. Those Buffalo buffalo, whom Buffalo buffalo buffalo, buffalo Buffalo buffalo. ""Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo" is a grammatically correct sentence used as an example of how homonyms and homophones can be used to create complicated constructs. It has been discussed in literature since 1972 when the sentence was used by William J. Rapaport, currently an associate professor at the University at Buffalo.[1]" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo_buffalo_Buffalo_buffalo_buffalo_buffalo_Buffalo_buffalo

Public Comments

1. Depends on what writing style you're using. If it's AP style, which is what journalists use, then no, there is no comma before 'and.' As far as other styles ... I haven't got a clue.
2. first 2 are correct. u dont NEED to put a comma before and. i always do cuz i think it looks better. the third one just doesnt make sense.
3. There are two sets of rules. One set (I forget what it's called) says you don't need the comma before 'and'. The Oxford rules (Oxford Univ. in England) says you do need it. And it's sometimes called 'The Oxford Comma'.
4. i don't know.....I have always put a comma before and.
5. 1 is an older way of doing punctuation 2 is the proper way to punctuate now and 3 is a waste of my time.
6. no, it is optional
7. In general no, you do not put a comma before the "and" or before an "or". However if you are in some doubt about the clarity of the sentence or you want to emphasise something you might.
8. What are you...a comedian?
9. Definately #2 NO comma before or after 'and' NO MATTER WHAT writing style you use!
10. The 2nd sentence is incorrect grammatically.
11. The second is correct, I believe. As to the third: if you are into this kind of stuff read Metamagical Themas by Douglas Hofstadter. It's a riot. peace