Ordering multiple adjectives
When a number of adjectives are used together, the order depends on the function of the adjective. The usual order is:
quantity, value/opinion, size, temperature, age, shape, colour, origin, material
| What the adjective expresses | Examples |
|---|---|
| Quantity | four, ten, a few, several |
| Value/opinion | delicious, charming, beautiful |
| Size | tall, tiny, huge |
| Temperature | hot, cold |
| Age | old, young, new, 14-year-old |
| Shape | square, round |
| Color | red, purple, green |
| Origin | Swedish, Victorian, Chinese |
| Material | glass, silver, wooden |
Examples
- They have a lovely old red post-box.
- The playroom has six small round plastic tables.
- I bought some charming Victorian silver ornaments at the flea market.
- She is selling her flashy 3-year-old Italian car.
- It was a beautiful cold day.