The tall, gray building is my company. (Comma Needed?)

Question

The tall, gray building is my company.Comma needed? Are these adjectives coordinate or non-coordinate?Thanks

Tkacka15 · Accepted Answer

goronskyThe tall, gray building is my company.

Do you enjoy the company of that building?

goronskyThe tall, gray building

Yes, you need the comma here. I wouldn't coordinate the adjectives with "and" in that particular noun phrase.

Goronsky · Answer

That's where it gets confusing.

We wouldn't say 'the tall AND gray building', so why the comma?

In this one below, would we use a comma?

The big, brown bear scared us.

Why or why not?

Tkacka15 · Answer

goronskyThat's where it gets confusing.We wouldn't say 'the tall AND gray building', so why the comma?In this one below, would we use a comma?The big, brown bear scared us.Why or why not?

That's from the Practical English Usage by Michael Swan:

"When the adjectives come in 'attributive' position (before a noun), and is not so often used.

a tall, dark, handsome cowboy
a small, shiny, black leather handbag

However, and is possible when adjectives say the same kind of thing (for example, when two adjectives both describe character, or colour, or material):

a cruel (and) vicious tyrant
a tall (and) elegant lady
a yellow and black sports car
a concrete and glass factory".

Goronsky · Answer

Thanks.

Goronsky · Answer

So, would 'the big, brown bear' take the comma?

The bear is 'big' and he is 'brown', so is the comma good?

Tkacka15 · Answer

goronskySo, would 'the big, brown bear' take the comma?The bear is 'big' and he is 'brown', so is the comma good?

My understanding is that if you use adjectives in a sort of list of attributive features describing the noun-phrase head, then the comma is needed. When you treat adjectives in the attributive positions as the one combined characteristic of the noun-phrase head, then the comma is redundant as in the Grand Old Duke, the big brown bear, a great big dog, etc.

The tall, gray building is my company. (Comma Needed?)

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