Writing Mechanics: Using Commas
B1 Lesson 1: Lists & Multiple Adjectives
Review: Commas in a List
Correct punctuation is essential for clear and professional writing. As a review, remember that when you have a list of three or more items, you use a comma to separate each item.
- I visited the temples of Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm.
- For lunch, I had rice, fish, and soup.
New Rule: Commas with Multiple Adjectives
When you use two or more adjectives before a noun, you sometimes need a comma. The rule depends on if they are coordinate adjectives—adjectives that equally describe the same noun.
Here are two easy tests to check if you need a comma.
Can you place 'and' between the adjectives and the sentence still sounds natural? If yes, use a comma.
He is a friendly and kind man. (Sounds natural) → He is a friendly, kind man.
I saw an old and stone statue. (Sounds strange) → I saw an old stone statue. (No comma)
Can you change the order of the adjectives and the sentence still sounds natural? If yes, use a comma.
It was a long, hot day. (Sounds natural) → It was a hot, long day. (Use a comma)
I bought a silk beautiful scarf. (Sounds strange) → I bought a beautiful silk scarf. (No comma)
General Guideline
Adjectives for opinion, size, and age often take a comma. Adjectives for color, origin (e.g., Khmer), and material (e.g., stone) are usually "closer" to the noun and do not take a comma before them.
Example: a beautiful, old, Khmer silk scarf.
Practice Your Punctuation 🎯
Exercise: Add the Comma
Add commas to these phrases where necessary. If no comma is needed, write "No comma."
- a hot sunny day
→ a hot, sunny day. - a delicious local dish
→ a delicious local dish. (No comma) - a friendly talkative tour guide
→ a friendly, talkative tour guide. - a big ancient stone temple
→ a big, ancient stone temple. (No comma between 'ancient' and 'stone')
Your Writing Mission ⭐
Describe Something
Write two sentences describing something you saw recently in your city or home. Each sentence should use at least two adjectives before a noun. Use the tests to decide if you need a comma.
Example: I saw a beautiful, ancient statue at the museum. My friend bought a lovely Khmer silk scarf.
Key Vocabulary
- Comma The punctuation mark ( , ) used to separate parts of a sentence or items in a list.
- Coordinate Adjectives Two or more adjectives that equally describe the same noun and should be separated by a comma.