ORDERS OF CUMULATIVE ADJECTIVE
When using multiple adjectives to describe a noun, they typically follow a specific order. The correct order of cumulative adjectives helps maintain clarity and fluency in sentences. Here’s the general order to follow:
- Quantity or Number – e.g., two, several, few
- Quality or Opinion – e.g., beautiful, hard, interesting
- Size – e.g., large, small, huge
- Age – e.g., old, young, ancient
- Shape – e.g., round, square, triangular
- Color – e.g., red, blue, yellow
- Proper Adjective (often nationality, origin, or material) – e.g., American, French, wooden
- Purpose or Qualifier – e.g., racing (in “racing car”), sleeping (in “sleeping bag”)
Example:
- Three small old wooden chairs (three = quantity, small = size, old = age, wooden = material)
Remember that not all combinations of adjectives fit this order, but following this structure helps ensure your descriptions are grammatically correct.