Adjective Order
When several adjectives describe one noun, English follows a usual order: opinion, then size, age, shape, colour, origin, material, and purpose. Following this order makes phrases sound natural.
Level B1
Adjectives & Adverbs
Summary
- When several adjectives describe one noun, English follows a usual order: opinion, then size, age, shape, colour, origin, material, and purpose. Following this order makes phrases sound natural.
Structure
opinion + size + age + colour + origin + material + noun
Examples
- A lovely big old house.
- A small round wooden table.
- An expensive red Italian car.
- A beautiful long silk dress.
Common mistakes
- • Reversing the order, e.g. 'a red big car' instead of 'a big red car'.
- • Separating closely linked adjectives with commas incorrectly, e.g. 'a old, big house' instead of 'a big old house'.
More adjectives & adverbs
Comparatives and Superlatives
A2
Use comparatives to compare two things and superlatives to compare three or more. Short adjectives add -er/-est; longer ones use more/most.
Adverbs of Frequency
A2
Adverbs of frequency (always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never) say how often something happens. They normally go before the main verb but after the verb 'be'.
Adverbs of Manner
A2
Adverbs of manner describe how an action is done and usually come after the verb or its object. Many are formed by adding -ly to an adjective.
So and Such
B1
'So' and 'such' add emphasis. 'So' goes before an adjective or adverb on its own, while 'such' goes before a noun phrase, often with an adjective.
Too and Enough
A2
'Too' means more than is wanted or needed and goes before an adjective; 'enough' means the right amount and goes after an adjective but before a noun.
As ... As Comparisons
B1
Use 'as + adjective/adverb + as' to say two things are equal. The negative 'not as ... as' shows that one thing is less than the other.