Note that the comma before the last item in the series (the one directly before and) is optional. Also, note that no comma appears before the first element in the list (the park), nor after the last element in the list (the historical hotel).
The comma is used in setting off transitional expressions (however, regardless, of course and so on) from the rest of the sentence. Examples:
No, he didn’t wear a hat.
When the bell rings, the students race through the halls.
The test is whether the sentence makes sense if the renamed noun is removed from the sentence.
A comma can indicate the omission of a word or words:
He said, “I didn’t do it.”
“I don’t believe it,” Jason replied, “but maybe if you prove it, I will.”
As you can see, the innocuous little fellow known as the comma can be quite cantankerous. Study this little guy—once you’ve mastered him, you’ve accomplished a great feat.
For additional tips, worksheets, and discussions, order your own copy of The Plain English Writer’s Workbook.
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