Comma Between Two Nouns in a Compound Subject or Object

Don’t separate two nouns in a compound subject, or two objects, with a comma. There can be more than one subject or object in a sentence.

The twins, and their mother went shopping for shoes for school.

The compound subject of this sentence is the twins and their mother. By putting a comma after twins, we’re separating twins from its modifying verb went shopping.

You can give the books to Mark, or Michael.

The comma in this sentence separates the compound object Mark and Michael. Just as with the previous sentence, this comma separates Michael from his modifying verb.

The twins and their mother went shopping for shoes, and clothes for school.

You can give the books, and papers, to Mark or Michael.

You, and I, need to go shopping for shoes and clothes for school.

None of these sentences requires a comma.