English Language Arts
Grade 9
15 min
Commas with coordinate adjectives
Commas with coordinate adjectives
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define and differentiate between coordinate and cumulative adjectives.
Apply the 'AND' test to determine if adjectives are coordinate.
Apply the 'Order-Reversal' test to determine if adjectives are coordinate.
Correctly punctuate sentences containing a series of adjectives preceding a noun.
Analyze an author's use of adjectives for stylistic effect in literary texts.
Revise their own analytical and narrative writing to use coordinate adjectives effectively and correctly.
Is it a 'long, winding road' or a 'long winding road'? This tiny comma makes a big difference in the rhythm and meaning of your writing. ✍️
This tutorial will teach you how to identify coordinate adjectives and use commas to separate them corr...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
AdjectiveA word that modifies (describes or gives more information about) a noun or pronoun.In 'the resilient protagonist,' the word 'resilient' is an adjective describing the noun 'protagonist'.
Coordinate AdjectivesTwo or more adjectives that independently and equally modify the same noun. They are of the same 'type' and can be reordered or joined by 'and'.The cold, harsh wind... ('cold' and 'harsh' both independently describe the 'wind').
Cumulative AdjectivesA series of adjectives that build on each other and do not separately modify the noun. They must stay in a specific order and are not separated by commas.The old stone wall... ('old' modifies 'stone wall,' not...
3
Key Rules & Conventions
The 'AND' Test
If you can place the word 'and' between the adjectives and the sentence still sounds natural and makes sense, the adjectives are coordinate and need a comma.
Use this as your primary test. If 'adjective and adjective noun' works, then 'adjective, adjective noun' is correct.
The Order-Reversal Test
If you can reverse the order of the adjectives and the sentence still sounds natural and makes sense, the adjectives are coordinate and need a comma.
This is a confirmation test. If 'adjective 2, adjective 1 noun' works just as well as 'adjective 1, adjective 2 noun,' then a comma is required.
4 more steps in this tutorial
Sign up free to access the complete tutorial with worked examples and practice.
Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Easy
According to the tutorial, which of the following best defines coordinate adjectives?
A.Adjectives that must appear in a specific, unchangeable order.
B.Two or more adjectives that independently and equally modify the same noun.
C.Any series of two or more words that describe a noun.
D.Adjectives that describe the origin or material of a noun.
Easy
What is the primary purpose of the 'AND' Test as described in the tutorial?
A.To determine if a noun is modified by an adjective.
B.To check if the adjectives are in the correct alphabetical order.
C.To determine if adjectives are coordinate and therefore need a comma between them.
D.To see if an adjective can be moved to the end of the sentence.
Easy
Which of the following sentences is punctuated correctly according to the rules for coordinate adjectives?
A.It was a long, dark road.
B.It was a long dark, road.
C.It was a, long, dark road.
D.It was a long dark road.
Want to practice and check your answers?
Sign up to access all questions with instant feedback, explanations, and progress tracking.
Start Practicing Free