Do I need a comma when using multiple adverbs?

Question

These are two adverbs used together....actually three.

They were raised very closely together.

Do I need a comma to separate "together"?

They were raised very closely, together.

The first sentence just does not sound right to my ear. But I am not a native speaker, so I thought it best to ask. Thank you.

I am not a native speaker either, but the second sounds rather artificial, although it is possible to say it that way, with a pause after 'closely'. The two sentences do have slightly different meanings. — Victor Bazarov, Commented Sep 6, 2015 at 21:24
Btw there is nothing wrong with the bare adverb "close". In fact, it's more idiomatic and natural-sounding in your example. The idea that all adverbs have to have the -ly suffix to distinguish them from the adjective form is a myth. — Brian Hitchcock, Commented Sep 7, 2015 at 10:11
In addition, the adverb very is overused. And I don't see how together adds much. Thus, taking into account Bryan's comment, you could pleasantly restate your sentence as They were raised close. — user20792, Commented Nov 6, 2015 at 16:51

user3169 · Accepted Answer · 2015-09-07 04:20:50Z

2

Unless you want to set off "together", as in some literary context (emphasizing "together"), don't add a comma.

If you speak the two phrases, and pause at the comma, you can probably get the difference.

answered Sep 7, 2015 at 4:20

user3169

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stangdon · Accepted Answer · 2015-11-06 16:31:53Z

1

I would not use a comma, because very closely and together are not separate adverbs in this case; instead, very closely modifies together.

To put it a different way: they were not raised very closely, and together; they were raised in very close togetherness.

answered Nov 6, 2015 at 16:31

stangdon

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