Use a comma between coordinate adjectives: adjectives that each describe the noun equally: “a long, hot, dusty road”. You could put and between them. Do not use commas with cumulative adjectives: “a little old man”.
Use commas after introductory phrases (To be honest, I preferred the book) and around interrupting phrases (He was, I believe, the first to arrive).
The serial (Oxford) comma before the final and in a list can prevent confusion: “I thanked my parents, Ava, and Leo.”
Worked example
Does this need a comma? “a cold wet day”
- Can you say “cold and wet day”? Yes.
- So the adjectives are coordinate.
Answer:Yes: a cold, wet day.
Key words
- coordinate adjectives
- adjectives that equally describe a noun
- serial comma
- a comma before the final and in a list
- interrupting phrase
- words inserted into a sentence
Practise this
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: L.7.2a