Is it correct to use a serial comma in Spanish writing?

Question

For example, in English, either sentence is correct:

"The flag is red, white, and blue." OR "The flag is red, white and blue."

Some style guides recommend it, while others suggest it's only personal preference.

Which is correct in Spanish?

"La bandera es roja, blanca, y azul" OR "La bandera es roja, blanca y azul"

Thanks!

Answer 1

For me the first sentence is not correct. "The flag is red, white, and blue." does not need the comma before the and; but I think it is used more like that in American English. As for Spanish I am not sure.

• I'm an editor (English), and I always use a comma before the last item in a series. - --Mariana-- 27 de Ago, 2009
• Really? I am surprised at that, I thought it was a mistake. - Heidita 27 de Ago, 2009
• it is a newer grammar. i went to college in the early 90s and was taught to put the comma before and as well. but we were also informed that maybe a decade or two prior omitting it was correct. - webdunce 27 de Ago, 2009
• It is correct to use the comma or not use the comma. The reason that it has become more popular not to use the comma before the and is newspapers. They need all the room they can get for the articles, so they remove the third comma in a series. :) - Debiera 27 de Ago, 2009

Answer 2

In Spanish the last comma should be omitted.

"La bandera es roja, blanca y azul" is correct.

Answer 3

If all the elements are connected, the last comma is omitted.

If you use "y", but you are going to say something that is not part of the previous sequence, but in these cases, there is a pause when you speak anyway.