Grammar

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.

Post

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

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' 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.

External links

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