Commas with coordinate adjectives

Key Notes:

1. Definition of Coordinate Adjectives:

  • Coordinate adjectives are two or more adjectives that equally modify a noun. They are of equal importance and describe the noun in similar ways.
  • Examples: The tall, dark man (both adjectives describe the man equally).

2. When to Use Commas:

  • Commas are used between coordinate adjectives when they can be rearranged without changing the meaning of the sentence.
  • Example: The old, dusty book → The dusty, old book. Both phrases still make sense, so you need a comma between “old” and “dusty.”

3. The “And” Test:

  • If you can put the word “and” between the adjectives and the sentence still makes sense, then they are coordinate adjectives, and you should use a comma.
  • Example: A long and tiring day (you can replace “and” between “long” and “tiring”).

4. Not to Use Commas:

  • Do not use commas if the adjectives are not coordinate (i.e., if one adjective is more important or if the adjectives are cumulative).
  • Cumulative adjectives build upon each other in a specific order, and they cannot be reversed or separated by commas.
  • Example: A big blue ball – You cannot say “A blue big ball”, so no comma is needed.

5. Examples:

  • Correct: She wore a bright, colorful dress.
  • Incorrect: She wore a bright colorful dress. (No comma because “bright” and “colorful” are cumulative).
  • Correct: It was a dark, stormy night.
  • Incorrect: It was a stormy, dark night. (The meaning changes, so no comma).

6. Testing with “Reversing” Adjectives:

  • If you can reverse the order of adjectives without changing the meaning, they are coordinate adjectives, and you should use a comma.
  • Example: He wore a red, shiny jacket (You can also say shiny red jacket without altering the meaning, so a comma is used).

7. Conclusion:

  • Remember: Coordinate adjectives can be rearranged and connected with “and,” while cumulative adjectives cannot.
  • Always check if the adjectives describe the noun equally and if the sentence still makes sense when rearranged.

let’s practice!