Crazy Comma Rule Numero Uno Also Known as “Comma Rule #6”

1. Crazy Comma Rule Numero UnoAlso Known as “Comma Rule #6” Use commas between two or more adjectives that precede a noun unless one of the adjectives expresses a single idea with the noun (jet plane) or the last adjective tells color (green, etc.) or age (old, young).

2. Crazy Comma Rule: Use commas between two or more adjectives that precede a noun unless one of the adjectives expresses a single idea with the noun (jet plane) or the last adjective tells color (green, etc.) or age (old, young). • Comma needed: The cute, fuzzy dog barked at everyone. • Comma omitted: The cute brown dog barked at everyone. (color adjective) • Examples: • The noisy jet plane flew overhead. (“Jet plane” is one idea. The adjective is really part of the noun.) • The ugly young dog wolfed down its food. (age adjective).

3. The general “rule of thumb” is to use a comma if it sounds right to use the word “and” instead of a comma. • Examples: • The old oaken bucket was covered with wet green moss. (No commas needed as it would be awkward to say “The old and oaken bucket was covered with wet and green moss.”) • The floppy-eared, lazy Doberman slept all day. (Here you use a comma because it makes sense to say “The floppy-eared and lazy Doberman slept all day.”)

4. Practice: Write the word before each missing comma and add the comma. If it is correct, write C. • A white dwarf is a tiny dense star. • My spaniel is a fat sassy puppy. • Jamie wore a new green t-shirt to school. • I would like to travel to the Black Sea.

5. Practice: Write the word before each missing comma and add the comma. If it is correct, write C. • A white dwarf is a tiny, dense star. • My spaniel is a fat, sassy puppy. • Jamie wore a new green t-shirt to school. C • I would like to travel to the Black Sea. C