Activity

@j-a-penrose Wait, I thought effect was the verb and affect was the noun? *scratches head*

When to use a comma with two adjectives

IF placing an ‘and’ between the two adjectives sounds natural, use a comma.

Example: I tiptoed through the treacherous, shadowed alley towards the lamppost, its lonesome, welcoming glow urging me onward.

A treacherous and shadowed alley? Sounds fine—keep the comma. A lonesome and welcoming glow? Sounds fine—keep the comma.

BUT if the ‘and’ sounds awkward at all, forget the comma.

Example: A huge, black dog snarled at me, its bared fangs gleaming in the flickering, yellow light.

A huge and black dog? Ick, dump the comma. A flickering and yellow light? AHHH! No thank you. Bye bye, comma!

Hope that’s helpful!