"Include" means you're mentioning some of a list, but not the complete list. I suppose that magazines aren't listed, so it might be technically correct as is.
There are two places where a comma might belong before an 'and': one in the collection list and one in the computers list.
I would definitely put one before the 'and' in the collections list but not in the computers list.
My explanation: The collections list seems to be very parallel; all items are phrased the same and have the same level of importance. BUT in the computers list, the last item is a compound item consisting of BOTH Mitchell's and 'other' databases, so I wouldn't separate them with a comma. Does that make any sense??
(Think of a list of sandwiches: ham, turkey, cheese, and peanut butter and jelly. Comma after cheese, but not separating pb&j.)
I think even the use of 'including' is wrong, as library is - needless to say - for and of books! What do you say?
ReplyDelete"Include" means you're mentioning some of a list, but not the complete list. I suppose that magazines aren't listed, so it might be technically correct as is.
ReplyDeleteThere are two places where a comma might belong before an 'and': one in the collection list and one in the computers list.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely put one before the 'and' in the collections list but not in the computers list.
My explanation: The collections list seems to be very parallel; all items are phrased the same and have the same level of importance.
BUT in the computers list, the last item is a compound item consisting of BOTH Mitchell's and 'other' databases, so I wouldn't separate them with a comma. Does that make any sense??
(Think of a list of sandwiches: ham, turkey, cheese, and peanut butter and jelly. Comma after cheese, but not separating pb&j.)
The serial comma is actually optional. It is a style, not a rule. Just be consistent is my rule.
ReplyDelete