Commas with Coordinate Adjectives

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What are coordinate adjectives?

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Coordinate adjectives are two or more adjectives that equally modify a noun and are separated by a comma. For example, 'The tall, dark man.'

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When should you use a comma between coordinate adjectives?

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Use a comma between coordinate adjectives when you can switch their order without changing the meaning. For example, 'The big, red ball' can also be 'The red, big ball.'

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What is the rule for using commas with coordinate adjectives?

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If the adjectives are coordinate, use a comma. If they are cumulative (where one adjective modifies the other), do not use a comma.

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Example of correct comma usage with coordinate adjectives.

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Correct: 'The bright, sunny day was perfect for a picnic.' Incorrect: 'The bright sunny day was perfect for a picnic.'

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What is an example of cumulative adjectives?

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An example of cumulative adjectives is 'The small wooden box.' Here, 'small' modifies 'wooden box' as a whole.

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How do you determine if adjectives are coordinate?

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To determine if adjectives are coordinate, try switching their order. If the sentence still makes sense, they are coordinate.

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What is the effect of using commas with adjectives?

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Using commas with adjectives clarifies that each adjective independently describes the noun, enhancing readability.

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What is an example of incorrect comma usage with adjectives?

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Incorrect: 'The old, rusty bicycle was found.' (if 'old' modifies 'rusty'). Correct: 'The old rusty bicycle was found.'

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What is the purpose of using commas in a list of adjectives?

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Commas in a list of adjectives help separate distinct qualities of a noun, making the sentence clearer.

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What is the difference between coordinate and cumulative adjectives?

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Coordinate adjectives can be separated by 'and' and can be rearranged, while cumulative adjectives build on each other and cannot be rearranged.