Rules
Where a number of adjectives are used together, the order depends on the function of the adjective. The usual order is:
Value/opinion, Size, Age/Temperature, Shape, Colour, Origin, Material
| Value/opinion |
delicious, lovely, charming |
| Size |
small, huge, tiny |
| Age/Temperature |
old, hot, young |
| Shape |
round, square, rectangular |
| Colour |
red, blonde, black |
| Origin |
Swedish, Victorian, Chinese |
| Material |
plastic, wooden, silver |
Examples:
- a lovely old red post-box
- some small round plastic tables
- some charming small silver ornaments
Adjectives can:
Describe feelings or qualities:
Examples
- He is a lonely man
- They are honest people
Give nationality or origin:
Examples
- Pierre is French
- This clock is German
- Our house is Victorian
Tell more about a thing’s characteristics:
Examples
- A wooden table.
- The knife is sharp.
Tell us about age:
Examples
- He’s young man
- My coat is very old
Tell us about size and measurement:
Examples
- John tall man.
- This is a very long film.
Tell us about colour:
Examples
- Paul wore a red shirt.
- The sunset was crimson and gold.
Tell us about material/what something is made of:
Examples
- It was a wooden table
- She wore a cotton dress
Tell us about shape:
Examples
- A rectangular box
- A square envelope
Express a judgement or a value:
Examples
- A fantastic film
- Grammar is boring.
