Order of adjectives

How to order adjectives in English

In many languages, adjectives denoting attributes usually occur in a specific

order. Generally, the adjective order in English is:

1. Quantity or number

2. Quality or opinion

3. Size

4. Age

5. Shape
More examples:
6. Color

7. Proper adjective (often nationality, other place of origin, or material) 1. I love that beautiful old big green antique car that always parked at the

8. Purpose or qualifier end of the street. [quality – age – size – color – proper adjective]

For example: 2. My sister has a big beautiful tan and white bulldog. [size – quality –

color – color]
1. I love that really big old green antique car that always parked at the
3. A wonderful old Italian clock. [opinion – age – origin]
end of the street.
4. A big square blue box. [dimension – shape – color]
2. My sister adopted a beautiful big white bulldog.
5. A disgusting pink plastic ornament. [opinion – color – material]
When there are two or more adjectives that are from the same group, the
6. Some slim new French trousers. [dimension – age – origin]
word and is placed between the two adjectives:
7. An amazing new American movie. [opinion – age – origin]

1. The house is green and red. 8. I bought a pair of black leather shoes. [color – material]

2. The library has old and new books.

When there are three or more adjectives from the same adjective group, place

a comma between each of the coordinate adjectives:

1. We live in the big green, white and red house at the end of the street.

2. My friend lost a red, black and white watch.

A comma is not placed between an adjective and the noun

beautiful

amazing
 Quantity or Quality or Proper Purpose or
Determiner Size Age Shape Color Noun
number opinion adjective qualifier

The three beautiful little gold plates

A beautiful old Italian sports car

An amazing heart-shaped red and white sofa

 Order of adjectives – examples

More examples:

9. I love that beautiful old big green antique car that always parked at the end of the street. [quality – age – size – color – proper adjective]

10. My sister has a big beautiful tan and white bulldog. [size – quality – color – color]

11. A wonderful old Italian clock. [opinion – age – origin]

12. A big square blue box. [dimension – shape – color]

13. A disgusting pink plastic ornament. [opinion – color – material]

14. Some slim new French trousers. [dimension – age – origin]

15. An amazing new American movie. [opinion – age – origin]

16. I bought a pair of black leather shoes. [color – material]

Quantity or Quality or Proper Purpose or

Determiner Size Age Shape Color Noun
number opinion adjective qualifier

A beautiful old Italian sports car

The three beautiful little gold plates

heart- red and

An amazing sofa
shaped white