Separating Adjectives

Separating Adjectives

Unit 4: Commas for Clarity

Multiple Adjectives

• Adjectives are words that describe nouns - they tell size, color, number, personality, and many other qualities

• ​Writers place a comma between two adjectives to show that the words have equal weight

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EXAMPLE: Lou plucked a juicy, sweet apple from the tree.​

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Unit 4: Commas for Clarity

Do they need a comma?

To decide whether or not the adjectives have equal weight, use these two tests:

• Test 1: Does the sentence sound natural with the word "and" between the adjectives?

Lou plucked a juicy and sweet apple from the tree.​

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• Test 2: ​Does the sentence sound natural after switching the order of the adjectives?

Lou plucked a sweet, juicy apple from the tree

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If the answer to both questions is "yes," place a comma between the adjectives.​

Unit 4: Commas for Clarity

No Comma Needed

• If the answer to the questions is "no," no comma is needed

Lou plucked three delicious apples from the tree.

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• Do not use a comma between an adjective and the noun it describes.

​Lauren wore a warm X sweater to school yesterday.

Unit 4: Commas for Clarity

Multiple Choice

The teacher gave us a harsh verbal warning.

• yes

• no

Multiple Choice

It was a long dirt road.

• yes

• no

Multiple Choice

It was a bright sunny day.

• yes

• no

Multiple Choice

They liked the fun surprise party.

• yes

• no