Commas - someone please help!

[Mobley52]

I am trying to write a style guide for work.
I keep seeing references to commas being overused.
Please could someone give me an explanation for when commas HAVE to be used in UK English using simple terms.

Thank you!

In a list such as "they can be blue, green, yellow, black or white"

Who says commas are over-used? On posts on MN there are some abysmal sentences which need the posters to USE a few commas.
I think I was taught that commas show a pause. Certainly I was taught that in a list of adjectives, I didn't need to use a comma before the 'and', indeed, wasn't to use a comma there. Nowadays I please myself.
The night was black, wild and frightening. The night was black, wild, and frightening.
I can't help you. I don't know any rules. I just put one where I want there to be one.

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/punctuation/commas/index.html

How to use commas - BBC Bitesize

Who is the intended audience of the style guide?

Commas are frequently used nowadays in places where semicolons would be correct.

I agree, but it can seem a bit excessive to use semicolons in social media posts. I often find myself using a comma even when I want to use a semicolon 🤔

Ooh, I never do; semicolons are wonderful.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zc773k7#zrggdnb

Is @Mobley52 hoping to be the next Health Secretary ?

The Oxford comma doesn't help. It's not allowed in my style hide at work.

@longdistanceclaraclara , it must be used where I currently work.

I think we are overcomplicating things as far as this thread is concerned.

If @Mobley52 wants an uncomplicated style guide for general office use, my advice would to not use the Oxford comma or semi-colons.

It is grammatically incorrect to use a comma instead of a semicolon and is called a comma splice. If a semi colon seems too formal then a full stop or conjunction should be used.

Yes, I do try this too. However, sometimes I just leave the extra commas in when writing nformally.
As you say, semicolons are a little formal. I couldn't really imagine using one in a text or WhatsApp.

Anyone else use commas in their head when speaking?

No, but I'm not sure I use my head when speaking. I'll stick to writing.

Sorry, it's late.

Heathens!!
The Oxford comma is a thing of beauty!!

I think there's a big age thing in social media. Those of a certain age (and decreptitude!), wouldn't dream of using r u instead of full words. We would most likely piunctuate out posts too!!
I was an editor in a previous life, and eagerly awaited a paper written entirely in emoji and text-speak! Sadly disappointed!

I see RU and l8ter as a sign of age. No one who's grown up with predictive text and speed thumbs needs to use text speak.