Adjective order

Did you know when using multiple words to describe an object, native English speakers naturally list the adjectives in this order:

1.    Opinion 

2.    Size 

3.    Age 

4.    Shape 

5.    Color 

6.    Origin 

7.    Material 

8.    Purpose 

“The Elements of Eloquence: How to Turn the Perfect English Phrase” author Mark Forsyth gives an example of how the correct order looks. “You can have a lovely little old rectangular green French silver whittling knife, but if you mess with that order in the slightest you’ll sound like a maniac.”

Confusing, I know, but thankfully you will rarely have to produce such an elaborate achievement of English phrasing. So, let us try with a simpler, clearer example: a beautiful (1) blue (5) flower (8) pot.

It might sound daunting, but with consistency and practice I am sure you will come up with your own complex adjective constructions!