Today we continue polishing our ability to use commas correctly by checking the rules for their use with coordinate adjectives. We will also learn about cumulative adjectives and why commas are unnecessary with them.
First, though, let’s define “adjective.” An adjective is a word that modifies (applies a character or property) to a noun.
Examples:
Take a look at the gray suit over there.
James’ parents gave him a red wagon for his fifth birthday.
Adjectives allow a more complete understanding of a noun. They enliven writing by helping the reader visualize a scene better.
scrambled eggs, image via Wikimedia
Coordinate adjectives are two or more adjectives that modify a noun separately. If adjectives can be joined with and, or if they can be written in any order (think scrambled eggs), they are also coordinate. Separate coordinate adjectives with commas.
Examples:
An ancient, serpentine, sturdy stone wall wound around the property.
Francie is an exuberant, playful puppy.
You can see that in these examples you could connect each adjective with the conjunction and, or write them in any order (scrambled). Each of them could modify the noun all by themselves.
Cumulative adjectives are two or more adjectives that don’t modify a noun separately. They cannot be set off by commas and would sound silly if connected by and.
Examples:
James’ parents gave him a bright red wagon for his fifth birthday.
Look at that fine beaded silver necklace she’s wearing.
As you can see, these adjectives above don’t modify the nouns separately. A good way to check to see if you need commas – that is, to determine if your adjectives are coordinate or cumulative is to ask yourself:
Do these adjectives modify the noun separately?
Can they be joined with and or scrambled?
If they are not coordinate, they must be cumulative.
Come back again for further lessons on using commas correctly. This little dot-with-tail punctuation mark has many more applications you’re sure to want to know about.
