GRAMMAR & STRUCTURE
Order of Adjectives

Definition

When there is more than one adjective in a sentence, they are placed in a special order. Certain adjectives go before other adjectives.

Example

Pierre wears an old, blue, wool coat in winter.

Explanation

The word order of adjectives --

is used when there is more than one adjective describing a noun.
is usually: opinion, size, age, shape, colour, origin, material, and purpose.
is used as a guideline.

Use commas to separate long lists of adjectives. For example: I work in that large, modern, steel building. Do not use a comma between an adjective and the noun it describes: steel building. It is not necessary to use a comma with a short list of common adjectives: That wise old man is my father.

Related Sections