In English, we often use more than one adjective to describe a noun, like “a beautiful old Italian painting.” But the order of those adjectives isn’t random. Native speakers instinctively follow a pattern that keeps descriptions smooth and natural. For learners, understanding this order is essential to avoid awkward or confusing sentences. This guide explains the standard sequence of adjectives and each category with clear examples.
What Is the Order of Adjectives in English?
When more than one adjective is used before a noun, English follows a specific order. While native speakers rarely think about it, this order helps descriptions sound natural and clear.
Here’s the general sequence:
- Determiner – a, an, the, this, my, her
- Quantity or Number – one, several, many
- Opinion – lovely, terrible, exciting
- Size – big, tiny, tall
- Age – young, old, modern
- Shape – round, square, narrow
- Color – red, blue, golden
- Origin – French, Indian, American
- Material – wooden, metal, plastic
- Purpose or Qualifier – sleeping (bag), gardening (tools)
To remember this order, many learners use the mnemonic:
OSASCOMP (Opinion, Size, Age, Shape, Color, Origin, Material, Purpose).
This isn’t a rigid rule, but it’s the accepted norm in standard English. Rearranging adjectives outside this order can make sentences feel off or even confusing.
Explanation of Each Category
Let’s look
at how each type of adjective fits into the order, along with examples to show them in use:
1. Determiner
Determiners introduce the noun and tell us which one.
Examples: a, an, the, this, that, my, his, several
- That old chair looks fragile.
- My two favorite mugs are missing.
2. Quantity or Number
Quantities or numbers tell us how many.
Examples: one, two, several, many, few
- Three large boxes arrived today.
- Several young players joined the team.
3. Opinion
These express personal feelings or judgments.
Examples: lovely, boring, charming, awful
- A charming small village sits by the lake.
4. Size
These describe how big or small something is.
Examples: big, tiny, huge, little
- A tiny, narrow path led into the woods.
- She gave him a huge, friendly hug.
5. Age
These describe how old something or someone is.
Examples: young, old, ancient, modern
- An ancient round tower stood nearby.
- They live in a modern, spacious house.
6. Shape
Shape describes the form of an object.
Examples: round, flat, square, oval
- A flat rectangular tray was on the table.
- He handed me a square blue gift box.
7. Color
These describe the color or shade.
Examples: red, blue, golden, pale
- A bright yellow umbrella stood out.
- She wore a pale green dress.
8. Origin
They tell us where something is from.
Examples: Italian, Chinese, Indian, Australian
- They served delicious Indian street food.
- A classic French novel lay on the desk.
9. Material
They describe what something is made of.
Examples: wooden, plastic, silk, metal
- He carried a black leather folder.
- They sat on a wooden antique bench.
10. Purpose or Qualifier
These describe what the noun is used for.
Examples: sleeping (bag), cooking (pan), gardening (tools)
- I packed my favorite blue sleeping bag.
- She bought a new stainless steel cooking pot.
Examples of Correct Adjective Order in Sentences
Below are examples that follow the standard adjective order. Each sentence respects the expected order: Determiner → Quantity → Opinion → Size → Age → Shape → Color → Origin → Material → Purpose/Noun.
- She wore a beautiful, long red silk scarf to the event.
- We walked past an old narrow wooden bridge in the forest.
- He bought a sturdy, small metal toolbox for repairs.
- They adopted three lovely young brown puppies from the shelter.
- I saw a strange, large, round balloon floating in the sky.
- We stayed in a charming old French cottage during the trip.
- She gave me a tiny handmade leather notebook as a gift.
- The chef prepared a delicious spicy Indian chicken dish.
- They admired an elegant antique gold-framed mirror on the wall.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mixing Up the Order
Putting adjectives in the wrong sequence can sound awkward or unclear.
❌ A French elegant old painting
✅ An elegant old French painting
Solution: Follow the standard order (opinion → age → origin) and check by simplifying the sentence.
Using Too Many Adjectives
Adding too many adjectives can clutter a sentence and confuse the reader.
❌ A big large huge gigantic red old Italian wooden dining table
✅ A large old Italian dining table
Solution: Use only the most relevant adjectives. In writing, clarity always matters more than piling on description.
Tips to Remember Adjective Order
Understanding the correct order is easier when you keep these tips in mind:
1. Use the OSASCOMP Rule
This simple acronym stands for:
Opinion – Size – Age – Shape – Color – Origin – Material – Purpose
It helps you quickly check if your adjectives are in the right order.
Example:
✔ A beautiful large old round blue Italian ceramic vase
2. Group Adjectives Mentally
Think in chunks. Instead of listing all at once, break them down mentally into types as you speak or write.
3. Read and Imitate Natural English
Reading well-written texts helps you develop an intuitive sense of what sounds right. Pay attention to how authors describe things.
4. Keep It Short When Possible
If you’re unsure about the order or it feels too long, simplify. Two or three adjectives are usually enough.
FAQs About Adjective Order
Do I always need to use adjectives in this exact order?
Not always, but it’s the typical order in standard English. Deviating from it can make sentences sound odd or unclear.
Can I skip some categories?
Yes. You don’t need to include every category. Just use the ones that are relevant to what you’re describing.
What if I use two adjectives from the same category?
When adjectives belong to the same category (e.g., two colors), you can place them together, usually with a comma.
Example: a red, blue, and green flag.
Why does “a small red box” sound better than “a red small box”?
Because “size” generally comes before “color” in standard adjective order. Native speakers instinctively follow this pattern.
Is it wrong to use more than three adjectives before a noun?
It’s not grammatically wrong, but using too many adjectives can make your sentence feel heavy. Aim for clarity over decoration.