Commas with coordinate adjectives

Key Notes :

📚 Commas with Coordinate Adjectives

What are Coordinate Adjectives?

Coordinate adjectives are two or more adjectives that describe the same noun equally.

They are separated by commas.

✅ Tip: You can put “and” between them and the sentence still makes sense.

Example:

• She has a bright, cheerful smile. 😊
• She has a bright and cheerful smile. ✅

How to Identify Coordinate Adjectives

• Ask yourself: Can I put “and” between the adjectives?
• If yes → they are coordinate → use a comma.
• If no → they are cumulative adjectives → no comma.

Examples:

• A small, round table 🟢✅ (small and round → yes!)
• A bright red apple 🍎❌ (bright and red → doesn’t sound right → no comma)

Rules for Using Commas

Use a comma between coordinate adjectives.

• Example: She wore a long, flowing, elegant dress. 👗

No comma for cumulative adjectives (when one adjective modifies the noun along with another).

• Example: He wore a dark blue jacket. 🧥

Check by switching adjectives:

• If switching makes sense → coordinate → comma needed.
• If switching sounds weird → cumulative → no comma.

Fun Emoji Examples

• The cat is small, fluffy, playful 🐱✨
• We saw a tall, old, spooky tree 🌳👻
• He bought a juicy red apple 🍎❌ (no comma – cumulative adjectives)

Quick Tips to Remember

• ✅ Use a comma for coordinate adjectives.
• ❌ Don’t use a comma for cumulative adjectives.

💡 Tip: If “and” works between adjectives → use a comma!

let’s practice!