Adjective Order

Adjective Order

In English, the adjective order follows a specific sequence that is generally adhered to by native speakers, even if they are not explicitly aware of the rules. This sequence is really important to maintain clarity and coherence in descriptions.

The adjective order in English is not arbitrary, but rather based on cognitive and linguistic considerations. It enables a logical and natural flow of information from the subjective to the objective, improving clarity and understanding. When adjectives are used out of sequence, they may sound awkward, unclear and confusing to native speakers.

For instance, “an old beautiful Italian table” sounds less natural and more confusing than “a beautiful old Italian table.”

Here is the sequence:

1. Opinion
2. Size
3. Age
4. Shape
5. Color
6. Origin
7. Material
8. Purpose

The conventional order can be remembered by the acronym “OSASCOMP.”

Explanation and Examples

1. Opinion: These adjectives express a subjective judgment or opinion about the noun.
   • Adjectives: “beautiful,” “ugly,” “interesting,” “boring”
   • Example: A beautiful old Italian table.
2. Size: These adjectives describe the physical size or dimension of the noun.
   • Adjectives: “small,” “large,” “tiny,” “huge.”
   • Example: A large rectangular red rug.
3. Age: These adjectives indicate the age of the noun.
   • Adjectives: “new,” “old,” “ancient,” “modern”
   • Example: An old, rectangular, red, Persian rug.
4. Shape: These adjectives describe the shape or form of the noun.
   • Adjectives: “round,” “square,” “triangular,” “rectangular”
   • Example: A rectangular, green table.
5. Color: These adjectives denote the color of the noun.
   • Adjectives: “black”, “white”, “red,” “blue,” “green,” “yellow”, “brown”
   • Example: A green, Italian Table.
6. Origin: These adjectives specify the origin or source of the noun, indicating where it comes from.
   • Adjectives: “American,” “Chinese,” “French,” “Canadian”, “Brazilian”, “Persian”, “European”
   • Example: A French Sofa.
7. Material: These adjectives describe the material from which the noun is made.
   • Adjectives: “wooden,” “metal,” “plastic,” “cotton”
   • Example: A wooden, Italian table.
8. Purpose: These adjectives describe the intended purpose or function of the noun. They are often derived from verbs and typically end in “-ing.”
   • Adjectives: “sleeping” (as in “sleeping bag”), “cooking” (as in “cooking pot”)
   • Example: A sleeping bag.

Additional Examples

These examples highlight the natural and logical progression from subjective to objective characteristics, ensuring that descriptions are clear and easily understood.

1. A beautiful large old round wooden dining table:
   • Opinion: beautiful
   • Size: large
   • Age: old
   • Shape: round
   • Material: wooden
   • Purpose: dining
2. A fascinating small new square black Chinese lacquer box:
   • Opinion: fascinating
   • Size: small
   • Age: new
   • Shape: square
   • Color: black
   • Origin: Chinese
   • Material: lacquer
   • Purpose: box
3. A stunning tiny ancient oval blue Greek ceramic vase:
   • Opinion: stunning
   • Size: tiny
   • Age: ancient
   • Shape: oval
   • Color: blue
   • Origin: Greek
   • Material: ceramic
   • Purpose: vase
4. An expensive large modern rectangular black German leather briefcase:
   • Opinion: expensive
   • Size: large
   • Age: modern
   • Shape: rectangular
   • Color: black
   • Origin: German
   • Material: leather
   • Purpose: briefcase
5. A charming little old round silver French pocket watch:
   • Opinion: charming
   • Size: little
   • Age: old
   • Shape: round
   • Material: silver
   • Origin: French
   • Purpose: pocket watch

More Examples

6. A beautiful medium-sized new circular white Italian marble table:
   • Opinion: beautiful
   • Size: medium-sized
   • Age: new
   • Shape: circular
   • Color: white
   • Origin: Italian
   • Material: marble
   • Purpose: table
7. An impressive huge old triangular green Indian silk tapestry:
   • Opinion: impressive
   • Size: huge
   • Age: old
   • Shape: triangular
   • Color: green
   • Origin: Indian
   • Material: silk
   • Purpose: tapestry
8. A delightful small new square red Japanese paper lantern:
   • Opinion: delightful
   • Size: small
   • Age: new
   • Shape: square
   • Color: red
   • Origin: Japanese
   • Material: paper
   • Purpose: lantern
9. An elegant tall antique rectangular black Victorian iron mirror:
   • Opinion: elegant
   • Size: tall
   • Age: antique
   • Shape: rectangular
   • Color: black
   • Origin: Victorian
   • Material: iron
   • Purpose: mirror
10. A cozy large old round brown Scottish wool sweater:
    • Opinion: cozy
    • Size: large
    • Age: old
    • Shape: round
    • Color: brown
    • Origin: Scottish
    • Material: wool
    • Purpose: sweater

Conclusion

By following the adjective order, speakers may create sentences that are clear, ordered, and easy to comprehend. Native speakers will find this order obvious, but learners must practice and internalize these guidelines in order to describe with fluency and clarity.

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