Can someone please tell me if this sentence is acceptable?

The building also contained a post office, a cinema, a library and a pub.

In other words, do I need the serial comma before the last 'and'?

Or should the sentence be written as:

The building also contained a post office, a cinema, a library, and a pub.

I usually only use the comma before the last 'and' if not using it would create ambiguity or make the text look messy.

Thanks again,

Stu.

I was taught at school never to insert a comma before the final coordinate, but in reality usage does vary, and publishing house styles commonly have a policy concerning the inclusion or exclusion of such commas.

If the final coordinate was a clause or a heavy NP, I'd probably include it:

"The building also contained a post office, a cinema, a library, and a pub next to an empty shop that was built in the 70's that was going to rack and ruin".

I don't think the sky will fall whichever style you choose.

PaulM

Many thanks Paul.

Yes, I was taught at school never to use the comma before the final 'and' as well, but as you say, it doesn't seem to be a strict rule anymore. Some people use it and some people don't.



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_comma

When the need arises, I use this comma to avoid ambiguity and/or to make the text look neater. I no longer follow the rule about this comma that we were taught at school. It seems silly today not to use the comma when required, and as the Wikipedia article above shows, sometimes it is essential to use it to avoid misunderstandings.

Stu.