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looking for a source for conjunctions in a series

Posted: 05 Dec 2022, 09:07
by Diana Lowery
Is a conjunction necessary when listing three opinion adjectives before a noun?
Example: He was a weak, cowardly, despicable man.
Or: He was a weak, cowardly, and despicable man.
Thanks!

Re: looking for a source for conjunctions in a series

Posted: 05 Dec 2022, 15:28
by MsH2k
Hi Diana,

The following link supports either “and” or a comma before the last adjective in a series of coordinate adjectives.
https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/gram ... ctive.html

Also, in the CMOS 17th edition, section 6.36: “Commas with coordinate adjectives” shows this sentence as a valid example:
It is going to be a long, hot, exhausting summer.

Re: looking for a source for conjunctions in a series

Posted: 05 Dec 2022, 15:34
by Diana Lowery
MsH2k wrote: 05 Dec 2022, 15:28 Hi Diana,

The following link supports either “and” or a comma before the last adjective in a series of coordinate adjectives.
https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/gram ... ctive.html

Also, in the CMOS 17th edition, section 6.36: “Commas with coordinate adjectives” shows this sentence as a valid example:
It is going to be a long, hot, exhausting summer.
@MsH2k
You are the best. I could not find a source anywhere. Thank you so much.

Re: looking for a source for conjunctions in a series

Posted: 05 Dec 2022, 15:39
by MsH2k
diana lowery wrote: 05 Dec 2022, 15:34
MsH2k wrote: 05 Dec 2022, 15:28 Hi Diana,

The following link supports either “and” or a comma before the last adjective in a series of coordinate adjectives.
https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/gram ... ctive.html

Also, in the CMOS 17th edition, section 6.36: “Commas with coordinate adjectives” shows this sentence as a valid example:
It is going to be a long, hot, exhausting summer.
MsH2k
You are the best. I could not find a source anywhere. Thank you so much.
You're welcome. It is literally my pleasure.

Re: looking for a source for conjunctions in a series

Posted: 11 Dec 2022, 23:28
by kipper_
Stylistic preference! For a more formal setting, I would opt for the latter example, but in creative or casual writing, the former is equally valid.