Punctuate differently?

Question

Hi. I was looking at the entry for the wird "raspberry" and it had the following entry (definition).

a small, soft, red fruit that grows on a bush

Would it be correct to punctuate the part "a small, soft, red fruit" differently? Thank you in advance for your help.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

AnonymousWould it be correct to punctuate the part "a small, soft, red fruit" differently?

How would you like to punctuate it?

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you. I think since we're dealing with all all three adjectives and not just two like "a small red fruit," I feel there should be a comma somewhere between the adjectives, but it's just a feeling without a clear reason to support it. Would it be correct without any commas? Any help from you would be appreciated.

Mister Micawber · Answer

Anonymous but it's just a feeling without a clear reason to support it.

That's the trouble with a lot of punctuation conundrums.

AnonymousWould it be correct without any commas?

Like this?— a small soft red fruit that grows on a bush

I think that would be OK: the modification is short and clear, and it flows quicker for the reader. However, the rule says that if each adjective modifies the noun independently, then the commas are needed. What you don't want to do is this:

(X) a small soft, red fruit.

Punctuate differently?

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