Adjective Order Rules to Know for Intro to English Grammar

Understanding adjective order is key to clear communication. It helps us describe nouns effectively by organizing adjectives based on quantity, opinion, size, age, shape, color, origin, material, and purpose, creating vivid and precise imagery in our language.

1. Quantity/Number

   • Indicates how many items are being described (e.g., two, several, many).
   • Usually placed at the beginning of the adjective sequence.
   • Can be expressed as cardinal (one, two) or ordinal (first, second).

2. Opinion/Quality

   • Reflects the speaker's subjective view of the noun (e.g., beautiful, interesting, terrible).
   • Often conveys a personal judgment or evaluation.
   • Typically follows quantity/number in the adjective order.

3. Size

   • Describes the physical dimensions of the noun (e.g., large, small, tiny).
   • Helps to provide a clear visual context for the noun.
   • Follows opinion/quality in the adjective sequence.

4. Age

   • Indicates how old the noun is (e.g., new, old, ancient).
   • Provides temporal context that can affect the meaning of the noun.
   • Comes after size in the order of adjectives.

5. Shape

   • Describes the form or outline of the noun (e.g., round, square, triangular).
   • Adds specificity to the description of the noun.
   • Follows age in the adjective order.

6. Color

   • Specifies the hue of the noun (e.g., red, blue, green).
   • Can be used to create vivid imagery in descriptions.
   • Comes after shape in the sequence of adjectives.

7. Origin/Nationality

   • Indicates where the noun comes from (e.g., American, French, Asian).
   • Provides cultural or geographical context.
   • Follows color in the order of adjectives.

8. Material

   • Describes what the noun is made of (e.g., wooden, metal, plastic).
   • Helps to convey the physical properties of the noun.
   • Comes after origin/nationality in the adjective sequence.

9. Purpose/Type

   • Indicates the function or category of the noun (e.g., cooking, racing, sleeping).
   • Often used to clarify the intended use of the noun.
   • Follows material in the order of adjectives.