Coordinating Adjectives Or should it be “It was a dark, stormy night”?
Comma Rule: Use a comma to separate two or more adjectives describing the same noun. These are called coordinating adjectives. Coordinating adjectives are adjectives that describe the same noun and are equal in importance.
Ask yourself these questions as a way to determine if the adjectives in a sentences are coordinating adjectives and, therefore, need commas… 1. Does the sentence make sense if “and” is added between the adjectives? 2. Does the sentence make sense if the adjectives are reversed? **If the answer is yes to these questions, then they are coordinating adjectives and you will need a comma.
Commas Between Adjectives Test Example One: He was a sweet helpful child. Does this sentence need a comma? Discuss with your partner.
Answer: Yes! These are coordinating adjectives. The sentence still sounds sensible if it is written as “He was a sweet and helpful child”, or “He was a helpful, sweet child.”
Example 2: They lived in an old brick house. Does this sentence need a comma? Discuss with your partner.
Answer: No! These are not coordinating adjectives. The sentence sound awkward if it is written as “They live in an old and brick house,” or “They lived in a brick old house.”
Independent Practice: Insert commas where necessary Independent Practice: Insert commas where necessary. If the sentence is correct, write “correct.” In PE, the class happily ran a mile with a positive enthusiastic attitude. Mrs. Mayer had the class do a close reading of Beowulf in the original Old English text. After the movie, my friends and I ate crunchy spicy tacos from Del Taco.
Bell Work Directions: Add commas where necessary. If sentence is correct, write “no commas” at end of sentence. No one could figure out where the unusual mysterious noises were coming from. Peyton has a strong determined independent attitude. Gabe is proud of his new blue bicycle. We had to throw out the damaged plastic bins. 5. The lovable friendly Siamese cat is curled up on the sofa.