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

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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.
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