Commas with coordinate adjectives

Key Notes:

What are Coordinate Adjectives?

👉 Coordinate adjectives are two or more adjectives that describe the same noun equally.
You can usually put “and” between them, or switch their order without changing the meaning.

🧩 Example:

• It was a bright, sunny day. ☀️
  ✅ You can say “bright and sunny day.”
  ✅ You can also say “sunny, bright day.”

When to Use a Comma

✅ Use a comma between coordinate adjectives that equally describe the noun.

📝 Examples:

• She wore a beautiful, elegant dress. 👗
• It was a long, tiring journey. 🚌

When NOT to Use a Comma

❌ Do not use a comma between non-coordinate adjectives, where one adjective describes the noun + adjective pair.

📝 Examples:

• He bought a red sports car. 🚗
  (You can’t say “sports and red car.”)
• She has three large dogs. 🐕
  (You can’t say “large and three dogs.”)

The “AND” Test

Try putting “and” between the adjectives:

• If it makes sense, ✅ use a comma.
• If it sounds awkward, ❌ don’t use a comma.

🧩 Example:

• A calm, peaceful evening → “calm and peaceful” ✅
• A wooden dining table → “wooden and dining” ❌

The “Order Test”

Try reversing the order of the adjectives:

• If the meaning doesn’t change, ✅ use a comma.
• If the meaning changes, ❌ don’t use a comma.

🧩 Example:

• A happy, excited crowd ✅ (still makes sense)
• A little old lady ❌ (can’t say “old little lady”)

Quick Tip Chart

✅ Use a Comma	🚫 Don’t Use a Comma
A tall, strong man 💪	A tall wooden pole 🪵
A kind, generous friend 💖	A big blue balloon 🎈
A cold, windy night 🌬️	A delicious chocolate cake 🍰

Summary

💬 Rule: Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun equally.
🧠 Tests: Try the “and” test and the “reversal” test!
💎 Goal: Make your writing clear, smooth, and stylish! ✍️✨