Use a comma between coordinate adjectives not joined with and - The comma - Punctuation

Rules for writers, Tenth edition - Diana Hacker, Nancy Sommers 2021

Use a comma between coordinate adjectives not joined with and
The comma
Punctuation

When two or more adjectives each modify a noun separately, they are coordinate.

Roberto is a warm, gentle, affectionate father.

If the adjectives can be joined with and, the adjectives are coordinate, so you should use commas: warm and gentle and affectionate (warm, gentle, affectionate).

NOTE: Do not use a comma between cumulative adjectives, those that do not each modify the noun separately.

Three large gray shapes moved slowly toward us.

Cumulative adjectives cannot be joined with and (not three and large and gray shapes).

EXERCISE 33-2

Add or delete commas where necessary in the following sentences. If a sentence is correct, write “correct” after it. Answers appear in the back of the book.

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a. The cold impersonal atmosphere of the university was unbearable.

b. An ambulance threaded its way through police cars, fire trucks and irate citizens.

c. The 1812 Overture is a stirring, magnificent piece of music.

d. After two broken arms, three cracked ribs and one concussion, Ken quit the varsity football team.

e. My cat’s pupils had constricted to small black shining slits.