Which sentence uses commas correctly?

Which sentence uses commas correctly?

• A. I bought apples oranges bananas and grapes.
• B. I bought apples, oranges bananas, and grapes.
• C. I bought apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes.
• D. I bought apples oranges, and bananas and grapes.

Answer: (C)

The choice that uses commas correctly is the one that clearly separates each item in the list. In this case, the sentence "I bought apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes" correctly uses commas to distinguish each fruit. In a list, commas are essential because they help to clarify the items being mentioned. The first fruit mentioned is "apples," which is followed by a comma. This is then followed by "oranges," again followed by a comma. The phrase "bananas" appears next, but before "and grapes," a comma is appropriately placed as well. This use of the Oxford comma (the final comma before "and") is a stylistic choice but is often recommended for clarity, particularly in complex lists. In contrast, the other sentences either lack necessary commas or misplace them, leading to confusion about the items being listed.

The choice that uses commas correctly is the one that clearly separates each item in the list. In this case, the sentence "I bought apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes" correctly uses commas to distinguish each fruit.

In a list, commas are essential because they help to clarify the items being mentioned. The first fruit mentioned is "apples," which is followed by a comma. This is then followed by "oranges," again followed by a comma. The phrase "bananas" appears next, but before "and grapes," a comma is appropriately placed as well. This use of the Oxford comma (the final comma before "and") is a stylistic choice but is often recommended for clarity, particularly in complex lists.

In contrast, the other sentences either lack necessary commas or misplace them, leading to confusion about the items being listed.