The Tunnel Will End

[jaine_parr]

I can see the light and it is not an oncoming train. On December 13, 2010, I started an on-line, off-site backup of my new hard drive and my EHD. That backup was partly finished and we took off on a cruise. Then, it was interrupted while we trekked off to Orlando. Finally, after many re-starts and interruptions, there are only 107 files left to

Comments

[montuos]

You do not put a comma between the adjective and the noun it modifies. Thus, "first, full, backup" is incorrect. See The Elements Of Style - Strunk & White - 4Th Edition pg. 14 #2.

Beyond that, comma placement between multiple adjectives depends on whether they are coordinate or noncoordinate adjectives. See Wikipedia Between adjectives, and Purdue Online Writing Lab Extended Rules for Using Commas #6.

[jaine_parr]

I thought that the form with fewer commas was correct, but the more I stare at grammar, the more doubtful I become.

[montuos]

Edit that I was attempting to make re the Strunk & White: I'm not certain this particular citation actually applies to the case, since it's talking about three or more adjectives - but putting a comma between the noun and its adjectives separates them, which is just wrong.

In general, using as little punction as is necessary is correct; excessive punctuation can add ambiguity as well as confusion. Punctuation is added when it is needed for clarity, such as when order matters. That being said, I am still a fan of the Oxford comma! ;>