4. Comma Use: Separating Adjectives One important function of the comma is to separate two or more adjectives from each other. Adjectives are words that describe nouns. Nouns can be people, animals, places, things, or ideas. One of the keys to using commas with adjectives is recognizing that not all sentences featuring two or more adjectives actually require commas. To better understand when to use commas to separate adjectives, read the information that follows. When Commas Are Needed When No Comma Is Required Commas are needed to separate coordinate adjectives, which are adjectives that equally modify the same noun. Consider this sentence: The bright, smooth jewel fell onto the floor. Here, bright and smooth equally modify jewel. You know that the adjectives carry equal weight because the sentence still makes sense if the adjectives are separated by the word and: The bright and smooth jewel fell onto the floor. Tip: If the adjectives can be separated by the word and, you must separate the adjectives with a comma. Directions: Complete the exercises that follow. Identify the sentences that require a comma between the bold adjectives. Check all that apply. Olga wore her new soccer cleats. I cycled down a wide smooth path. If you want clean teeth, use this minty mouth rinse. Lynn made an inspiring graduation speech. Patrick lives in a large immaculate house. Identify the sentences that require a comma between the bold adjectives. Check all that apply. His mother removed the plastic training wheels from his bicycle. The old rusty ship docked for repairs. I threw out the tattered sports magazine. Harry wore a checkered bow tie to the party. Gino read the stirring suspenseful novel. Grade It Now Save & Continue Continue without saving