What is the function of commas in a list of three or more items?

The function of commas in a list of three or more items is to separate those individual items, making it clear to the reader that they are distinct elements within the same sentence. For example, in the sentence "I bought apples, oranges, and bananas," the commas help to delineate each fruit, indicating that they are separate entities within the list. This structure enhances readability and helps avoid confusion, as it clearly organizes the information into manageable parts. Using commas in lists allows the reader to process each item individually while still understanding their connection within the context of the overall sentence.