Commas with Adjectives and Adverbs

A comma is used between adjectives when they modify the same noun and when rearranging the adjectives does not alter the meaning of the sentence.

• She ate a juicy, drippy, gargantuan orange. 
• He was fond of his aunt's purple, teased hairstyle. 

If the first adjective modifies both the subsequent adjective(s) and the noun at the same time, no comma is used between the adjectives.

• My sister likes big pink cardigan sweaters. 
• Old Folk Dancer Pastel entertained us with a spirited Irish jig. 

Tip: If rearranging the adjectives changes the meaning of the sentence, commas should not be used.

An adverbial phrase (a phrase that modifies a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or an entire sentence) that begins a sentence is often followed by a comma.

• In the corner of the stadium, the lunatic hotdog vendor began yelling obscenities at a packet of hot mustard. 
• Because of my grandmother's sage advice on the subject, I never mix business with kumquats.

A comma comes before and after an adverbial phrase or clause that is in the middle of a sentence between the subject and the verb.

• Old Frito-Eater O'Brian, before she went to bed, consumed six bags of Wild'n'Mild Ranch Fritos. 
• Julio, in a desperate attempt to attract Althea's attention, performed a running belly flop off the high dive.

The comma is optional after short introductory prepositional phrases.

• At midday the aroma of pig feces floated into the noses of Jim and Tammy Faye. 
• During lunch Beulah gobbled down three cornish hens, a pound of potatoes, and a small peppermint.

A comma is not used after an introductory phrase that immediately precedes the verb it modifies.

• Out of the alley jumped a rabid parakeet with a bad attitude.
• In the hallway slept a monstrous gerbil, snoring softly.