Hi Michael, Yes, I know that sentence needed a comma to clarify; however, what rule, if any, exists for cases where no potential misreading exists, as in We took poles, bait and hats on our fishing trip. I have read that putting a comma after "bait" is more "formal," and thus more "correct." I'm trying to find out if others agree with this rule of thumb. Carole [log in to unmask]