Describing People and Objects
Adjectives
Adjectives are placed directly before nouns to describe certain qualities.
He is a competent concierge.
She is an anxious business traveler.
Adjectives are also often used with the verb 'to be' to describe the character of people or things. In this case, place the adjective at the end of the sentence.
The national parks are very beautiful.
Health spas are very helpful.
Adjective Order
It is possible to use a string of adjectives to describe a person, place or thing. When using more than one adjective, use the following pattern to place the adjectives in order before the noun.
Opinion, dimension, age, shape, color, origin, material + noun
NOTE: Use no more than three adjectives to describe a noun.
1. Opinion
Example:
Tomato sauce is a tasty option.
The thin man is on a special-diet.
2. Dimension
Example:
3. Age
Example:
Fresh appetizers are presented and served hourly.
He was a young pest control expert.
4. Shape
Example:
The rectangular pages contain expositions on trains.
The round menus are very popular.
5. Color
Example:
The red light indicates room service is available.
The orange uniforms look good on the food service supervisors.
6. Origin
Example:
Japanese food and beverage costs are down.
An American condominium is spacious.
7. Material
Example:
The paper kite did not survive the tree branches on this occasion.
Silk sheets increase the guest's satisfaction.
Here are some examples of nouns modified with three adjectives in the correct order based on the list above.
A disgusting rectangular old tablecloth was on display.
The lovely modern Chinese valet parking lot was striking.
The failing antiquated American airline was bailed out.
A new Swiss stainless steel dishwasher is available.