Weight of adjectives

Weighing the value of adjectives is a simple concept. With one quick review, you should be able to master any question the ACT throws at you about it.

And if it takes you two readings, no worries. This is a short chapter.

In English, we can add any number of adjectives (see the Parts of Speech chapter) before a noun to describe it. One might want to point out a dog at a dog park. This would be unhelpful since there are probably lots of dogs there and it would be unclear which of the bouncing puppers you’re referring to.

So, you would want to use adjectives to describe the right one (in this case, the right dog).

Sometimes, one descriptor will do: the large dog. Other times, more descriptors are needed; you may have to point out the large, slobbering, mangy, black-and-white dog (“He’s so cutteee!!” the owner proudly says).

Some kinds of adjectives have more “weight” (or are more important or more closely tied to the noun they describe) than others. Adjectives of more weight should be closest to the noun, while all others are listed (in no particular order) before them. Furthermore, adjectives of equal weight are separated with commas when there’s more than one.

The principle here you most need to know for the ACT is that adjectives of equal weight are separated with a comma, while adjectives that are weighted differently do not have commas. The common test as to whether they should have a comma between them is if the word “and” can reasonably be put between them and it still makes sense.

Example

Let’s take a look at an example of weighing adjectives.

The two energetic playful North American otters busied themselves in the sparkling river.

Here, we have four descriptors, or adjectives, modifying the word “otters.” Let’s see what it needs in terms of commas with the “and” test.

The two [and] energetic otters busied themselves…

I think we can all agree that doesn’t work. No comma there.

The energetic [and] playful otters busied themselves…

That, however, does work. Those adjectives are of equal weight, and therefore need a comma.

The playful [and] North American otters busied themselves…

As a designation of species, “North American” is more closely attached to “otters” than “playful” is. The “and” is super weird there, so no comma is needed.

Therefore, we just want one comma:

The two energetic, playful North American otters busied themselves in the sparkling river.

Exercise

The large spacious white Victorian mansion loomed in the distance.

A. NO CHANGE
B. The large spacious, white Victorian mansion
C. The large, spacious, white, Victorian mansion
D. The large spacious, white Victorian mansion
E. The large, spacious white Victorian mansion

Do you know the answer?

Remember this:

• Identify this question type when you see more than one adjective (descriptor) on a single noun
• Put the word “and” between each pair of adjectives to see if it needs a comma
• If the “and” makes sense, it needs a comma. If it really doesn’t work, no comma is needed.

That’s it. Bring on the ACT!