Rules Project
I love language because there is always something new to learn. Today I learned why there is a comma between some adjectives and not between others. It is because of coordinate and non-coordinate adjectives. Coordinate adjectives describe a noun in the same way to the same degree, consequently requiring a comma. Non-coordinate adjectives have an unequal relationship to the noun and therefore do not require a comma between them. In the June 9th issue of the Albany Times Union, page 12 of the "Unwind" section, in an article entitled "Not every adjective needs a comma" by June Casagrande, there was an example of a sentence with coordinate and non-coordinate adjectives. The sentence was, "The handsome, articulate, intelligent man wore a bright green midriff peasant blouse."
"Midriff" is specific to the blouse. "Bright" is describing "green" more than blouse.
The grammar rule according to Casagrande and www.grammarist.com is that non-coordinate adjectives which precede a noun are not separated by commas. June Casagrande says when in doubt to place "and" between adjectives or change the order of the adjectives.. If "and" between the adjectives works then replace "and" with commas. If the adjectives are interchangeable, then no commas are necessary. In rare cases the sentence is correct with or without commas, according to Casagrande. An example of this from the article would be "a beautiful sunny day" or "a beautiful, sunny day." Both sentences are correct.
I didn't know the specifics of this rule until now, so thank you!
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