Commas Multiple Adjectives

Determine if the sentence with two adjectives is correct or incorrect. Is a comma needed or not needed?

Two, young children played a duet

• Correct (the comma is needed)

• Incorrect (delete the comma)

Answer explanation

Numbers and "number words" such as several, many, etc., are adjectives, but they cannot be switched around with other adjectives. Never place a comma after a number if it is being used as an adjective.

She wore a beautiful, amber necklace.

• Correct (yes, a comma is needed)

• Incorrect (delete the comma)

Answer explanation

On its own, the necklace is an amber necklace. That is the type of necklace it is, so we can move amber away from it.

We try to lead a healthy, active lifestyle.

• Correct (comma is needed)

• Incorrect (delete the comma)

Answer explanation

Healthy and active can be switched because they equally describe the lifestyle. Also, this comma makes sense as a placeholder for "and."

Finn is such a sweet old dog.

• Correct (no comma needed)

• Incorrect (comma must be added)

Answer explanation

Finn is already an old dog. Sweet describes the type of "old dog" he is. Also, saying he is "a sweet and old dog" sounds funky.

I saw only a bright, red glow.

• Correct (a comma is needed here)

• Incorrect (delete the comma)

Answer explanation

You would not say, "I only saw a bright and red glow."

He is a funny little fellow.

• Correct (no comma needed)

• Incorrect (a comma is needed)

Answer explanation

He is already a little fellow, so little cannot be moved. Also, "funny and little fellow" does not sound right, does it?

I love her luscious brown hair.

• Correct (no comma needed)

• Incorrect (a comma is needed)

Answer explanation

She regularly has brown hair, and we are describing the type of brown hair she has, which is luscious.

Relax and take slow deep breaths.

• Correct (no comma needed)

• Incorrect (a comma is needed)

Answer explanation

The breaths can be called slow or deep in any order. They can also be described as "slow and deep breaths." Remember the comma being a placeholder for "and."

The little boy ate the cold sticky popsicle.

• Correct (no comma needed)

• Incorrect (a comma is needed)

Answer explanation

Cold and sticky can be swapped in order to describe the popsicle.

The bunny almost tripped over his long, floppy ears.

• Correct (comma is needed)

• Incorrect (no comma needed)

Answer explanation

Long and floppy describe the bunny's ears equally, and can be switched in order.