How To Use Commas With Multiple Adjectives
Coordinate adjectives versus cumulative adjectives block qdt book qdt book the com.
How to use commas with multiple adjectives. You can replace the comma with an and you are able to switch the order of the adjectives without changing the meaning of the sentence if one ignores the rule for the adjective order it is easier to see how the order can be switched without changing the meaning of the sentence. If you want to describe separate characteristics of a noun to your reader place commas between the adjectives. The usual order is. When you re describing something with two or more adjectives you can use a comma between them if those adjectives are coordinating. Once i saw the sentence you walk down the steep smelly corridor i thought steep is a noun and a verb is missing in smelly corridor because we don t use a comma between two adjectives of different type.
If your sentence sounds strange then you have cumulative adjectives and you shouldn t use a comma. If the sentence still sounds normal then you have coordinate adjectives and they need a comma between them. Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives that describe a noun. They re coordinating if you could place and between them you shouldn t put a comma after the final adjective. Furry three cats cuddled on my lap.
When you use a string of adjectives you often separate the adjectives with commas as in ldquo he is tall dark and handsome rdquo. If you want to describe a single characteristic using multiple adjectives leave the commas out. Sometimes though you don rsquo t use a comma between two adjectives nbsp. Adjectives of equal rank are adjectives that can exchange locations in the sentence with one another such that the sentence will still make sense. A comma should be placed between two adjectives of equal rank that describe the same noun.
Ordering multiple adjectives when a number of adjectives are used together the order depends on the function of the adjective. For learners of english as a second language it is crucial to be familiar with these rules. Coordinate adjectives modify the same noun to the same degree. First place the word and between the two adjectives. Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives.
In other words they coordinate with one another to describe a noun. Quantity value opinion size temperature age shape colour origin material. If in both instances the resulting phrase still sounds appropriate we are most likely dealing with coordinate adjectives and should use a comma between them. The basic rule for using a comma between adjectives is.