Commas Between Adjectives - Rule 2
Rule: Use a comma between two adjectives that precede a noun. If the adjectives are very closely related, no comma is needed.
Examples:
1. The gloomy, cloudy day put a damper on our plans to go to the beach.
2. Her long, flowing hair blew in the summer wind.
3. I tried to catch the teenager here before he drove off in a rusty, noisy convertible.
4. Her navy blue suit looks terrific. (no comma)
5. The little old man looked so happy to see his grandchildren playing in the yard.
(no comma)
PART ONE: Exercise 4 – Put in commas wherever you think they are needed.
1. Carlos was
the popular efficient president of the senior class.
2. The cold dry
northern air is very exhilarating.
3. We loved
running barefoot over the cool wet sand.
4. What a stern
dignified manner that soldier has!
5. The dark
dingy musty attic seemed spooky.
6. The noisy
carefree spectators cheered when they saw the bright new uniforms and instruments
of the marching band.
7. Have you
read about the strong courageous women who fought the cold hard prairies of
Iowa?
8. An alert
businesslike and popular leader is needed.
9. A squat dark
cooking stove stood in one corner of the old kitchen.
10. May Swenson
fascinates us with her clever tantalizing poems.
PART TWO: Write 7 sentences that illustrate the
rule. Each of those sentences must have
two adjectives that precede a noun.
Don’t make items in a series/list.
Just TWO adjectives. Remember, if you are trying to get a good grade, you need to write detailed, specific sentences that are 10-14+ words long. Don't create run-ons, though.
Incorrect
example: My shirt is old, dirty, and
ugly. (These adjectives do not
precede a noun.)
Correct
example: My dirty, ugly shirt
should be thrown away.
