How To Use Commas With Multiple Adjectives
The basic rule for using a comma between adjectives is.
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. As you can see the commas between the adjectives affect the meaning of the sentence and how readers will interpret it. When you use a string of adjectives you often separate the adjectives with commas as in ldquo he is tall dark and handsome rdquo. For learners of english as a second language it is crucial to be familiar with these rules. 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.
First place the word and between the two adjectives. Adjectives describing the same noun which do not have equal rank do not require a comma. Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives that describe a noun. Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives. Coordinate adjectives versus cumulative adjectives block qdt book qdt book the com.
If you want to describe a single characteristic using multiple adjectives leave the commas out. In other words they coordinate with one another to describe a noun. Try reversing the order of the adjectives. Coordinate adjectives modify the same noun to the same degree. If the sentence still sounds normal then you have coordinate adjectives and they need a comma between them.
A comma should be placed between two adjectives of equal rank that describe the same noun. If you want to describe separate characteristics of a noun to your reader place commas between the adjectives. They re coordinating if you could place and between them you shouldn t put a comma after the final adjective. Ordering multiple adjectives when a number of adjectives are used together the order depends on the function of the adjective. Quantity value opinion size temperature age shape colour origin material.
If your sentence sounds strange then you have cumulative adjectives and you shouldn t use a comma. The usual order is. Adjectives of equal rank are adjectives that can exchange locations in the sentence with one another such that the sentence will still make sense. 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.