Commas with Adjectives 2

Front

What is the rule for using commas with adjectives?

Back

When two or more adjectives describe the same noun, they should be separated by commas if they are coordinate adjectives (e.g., 'an angry, frustrated child').

Front

What are coordinate adjectives?

Back

Coordinate adjectives are adjectives that equally modify a noun and can be separated by 'and' or rearranged without changing the meaning (e.g., 'an angry, frustrated child' vs. 'a frustrated, angry child').

Front

What are cumulative adjectives?

Back

Cumulative adjectives build on each other and cannot be separated by commas (e.g., 'a big red ball' - 'big' modifies 'red' and they cannot be rearranged).

Front

How do you determine if adjectives are coordinate?

Back

If you can put 'and' between the adjectives or switch their order without changing the meaning, they are coordinate adjectives.

Front

Example of correct comma usage with adjectives:

Back

'The tall, dark man walked in.' (Both adjectives are coordinate.)

Front

Example of incorrect comma usage with adjectives:

Back

'The tall dark man walked in.' (No comma needed because 'tall' modifies 'dark'.)

Front

What is an example of cumulative adjectives?

Back

'The small blue car is fast.' (You cannot say 'blue small car'.)

Front

What is the effect of using commas with adjectives?

Back

Using commas clarifies that the adjectives are separate and equally important in describing the noun.

Front

What is the correct phrase: 'a bright, sunny day' or 'a bright sunny day'?

Back

'A bright, sunny day' is correct if both adjectives are coordinate.

Front

What is the correct phrase: 'a lovely, old house' or 'a lovely old house'?

Back

'A lovely old house' is correct because 'lovely' modifies 'old'.