I was always taught that you should not precede 'and' by a comma, since it is a conjunction which provides the space/break between two phrases/clauses in itself. Similarly for but, when it is in the middle of a sentence. Ruby certainly corrects to this form.

However (and I am told one should not start a sentence with however, nevertheless, etc., too - but personally I think that is rubbish and shall continue to do so, so there!), I believe it is more and more prevelant to use the comma before but and and where they are conjunctions: what do people think? Is this acceptable style, nowadays? Is it a change in the language, and (see!) we should all start doing it? Or is it just a really bad habit I have???


Thank you all for your opinions!