Mastering Commas with Coordinate Adjectives
A Grade 12 ELA worksheet focusing on the correct usage of commas with coordinate adjectives.
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Mastering Commas with Coordinate Adjectives
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Read each section carefully and follow the instructions for each task. This worksheet focuses on the correct use of commas with coordinate adjectives.
Coordinate adjectives are two or more adjectives that modify the same noun or pronoun independently. They are of equal importance and can often be swapped in order or joined by 'and' without changing the meaning of the sentence. When coordinate adjectives appear next to each other, they are typically separated by a comma.
Example: The tall, majestic oak stood proudly.
Non-coordinate adjectives, on the other hand, do not modify the noun independently; one adjective modifies the combination of the other adjective and the noun. These adjectives should NOT be separated by a comma.
Example: She bought a new red car.
1. Commas are always used to separate any two adjectives that appear next to each other.
True
False
2. If you can reverse the order of two adjectives and the sentence still makes sense, they are likely coordinate adjectives.
True
False
3. Coordinate adjectives are separated by a .
4. The two tests for identifying coordinate adjectives are the test and the ' ' test.
5. Non-coordinate adjectives typically describe different of the noun.
6. Which sentence correctly uses a comma with coordinate adjectives?
The old, wooden table creaked.
She wore a beautiful, silk dress.
He drove a fast, red car.
The bright, sunny day cheered everyone.
7. In which sentence should a comma NOT be used?
It was a long, arduous journey.
The small, fluffy kitten purred.
He enjoyed a hot, chocolate drink.
She gave a thoughtful, insightful presentation.
8. Rewrite the following sentence, adding or removing commas as necessary to correctly punctuate coordinate adjectives:
The powerful intimidating storm raged for hours.
9. Rewrite the following sentence, adding or removing commas as necessary:
They lived in a charming old house.
10. Write a short paragraph (5-7 sentences) describing a memorable place you have visited. Be sure to use at least three instances of coordinate adjectives, correctly punctuated with commas, and at least two instances of non-coordinate adjectives, correctly NOT punctuated with commas. Underline all adjectives you use.