	AllExperts > General Writing and Grammar Help
	Search

Ask a question about General Writing and Grammar Help
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login

Awards

About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer

About Jerry Leone
Expertise
I`ve taught writing or some aspect of the English language for nearly 35 years. I can answer nearly any question on grammar, usage or meanings of words above dictionary usage. An avid crossword fan and writer, I can also answer questions about business presentations and resumes.

Experience
I have worked with words all my life as a teacher of the language and as an amateur and professional writer. Communication is a vital force in my life and everyone else's.

You are here: Experts > Arts/Humanities > Writing > General Writing and Grammar Help > commas and adjectives

General Writing and Grammar Help - commas and adjectives

Expert: Jerry Leone - 11/3/2009

Question
QUESTION: Why is it that we say "a serious English teacher" without commas but " a young, French, physics teacher"

ANSWER: Mariam,

Serious modify English not teacher, thus no comma is needed. Young, French and physics all modify teacher, thus commas are needed.

Jerry Leone

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi,
Thanks for your response. But how does serious modify English? Doesn't it mean an English teacher who is also serious?

Answer
Mariam,

There is no comma between serious and English because:

Use a comma to separate two adjectives when the word and can be inserted between them.
Examples: He is a strong, healthy man.

We stayed at an expensive summer resort. You would not say expensive and summer resort, so no comma.

In the second phrase an "and" can be place after each adjective, thus the commas.

I hope that helps,

Jerry Leone

Add to this Answer Ask a Question