What is the purpose of using commas in a series?

The purpose of using commas in a series is to list multiple items. When you enumerate three or more items in a sequence, commas are used to separate these items, making it clear that each one is distinct from the others. For example, in the sentence "I need to buy apples, oranges, and bananas," the commas help the reader understand that there are three separate fruits being referred to, rather than creating confusion about the grouping of items. This clarity is essential for effective communication, particularly in writing, where the absence of visual cues or vocal inflections can lead to misunderstandings.