What is the Correct Order of Adjectives? (NOSASCOMP Rule Explained with Examples)
The order of adjectives in English is important for writing and speaking clearly. Knowing this sequence helps you write natural sentences in school essays, exam answers, and daily English. Mastering adjective order also helps you avoid common grammar mistakes and build your confidence.
| Adjective Type | Example | Sample Phrase |
|---|---|---|
| Number | three | three bags |
| Opinion | beautiful | beautiful house |
| Size | small | small shirt |
| Age | old | old clock |
| Shape | round | round table |
| Colour | green | green plant |
| Origin | French | French perfume |
| Material | wooden | wooden chair |
| Purpose | sleeping | sleeping bag |
What is the Order of Adjectives in English?
Order of adjectives in English means arranging describing words before a noun in a fixed pattern. The common sequence is: Number, Opinion, Size, Age, Shape, Colour, Origin, Material, and Purpose. Using this pattern helps your sentences sound natural to native speakers.
Rules: How to Arrange Multiple Adjectives
- Start with quantity or number (one, two, several).
- Add an opinion or quality (nice, ugly, beautiful).
- After that, write size (big, tiny), then age (old, new).
- Next is shape (round, square), followed by colour (red, blue).
- Origin comes before material (American, silk).
- Finish with the noun’s purpose if needed (sleeping in “sleeping bag”).
Order of Adjectives Table: Examples
| Full Example | Adjectives Used |
|---|---|
| a lovely small round red French wooden coffee table | opinion, size, shape, colour, origin, material, purpose + noun |
| three big old blue Indian cotton shirts | number, size, age, colour, origin, material + noun |
| an amazing little ancient square silver jewellery box | opinion, size, age, shape, colour, purpose + noun |
Order of Adjectives in Example Sentences
- The small old brown dog barked.
- She wore a beautiful long blue dress.
- We saw an interesting ancient round stone.
- He bought two funny short French books.
- That big new white American truck is fast.
Notice how every example uses the order: number, opinion, size, age, shape, colour, origin, material, purpose before the noun. Try to use only two or three adjectives in real sentences for clarity.
Practice: Arrange the Adjectives
- She has a ___ ___ ___ ___ vase. (beautiful, small, round, Italian)
- They saw ___ ___ ___ mountains. (two, snowy, high)
- I need a ___ ___ ___ chair. (comfortable, big, wooden)
Answers: a beautiful small round Italian vase; two high snowy mountains; a comfortable big wooden chair.
Exceptions and Common Mistakes
- Sometimes, native speakers use a different order for emphasis, but the usual pattern is best in writing and exams.
- Do not use more than three adjectives before a noun if possible.
- Some materials or origins can sound odd if out of order—always check examples from trusted sources like Vedantu.
Quick Memory Trick for Exams: NOSASCOMP
- Use the NOSASCOMP mnemonic to remember: Number, Opinion, Size, Age, Shape, Colour, Origin, Material, Purpose.
- Make your own sample phrase, like “two lovely little old French wooden chairs.”
Repeating this trick can help you quickly recall the correct order in exam or conversation settings.
Summary: Order of Adjectives in English
Order of adjectives means putting describing words in a special order before a noun for clarity. The usual order is: number, opinion, size, age, shape, colour, origin, material, purpose. Mastering this rule helps you sound natural and improves exam writing. For more examples and practice, check other English grammar topics at Vedantu.
FAQs on Order of Adjectives in English Grammar (Rules, Chart & Examples)
1. What is the correct order of adjectives in English?
The standard order of adjectives in English is generally remembered using the acronym NOSASCOMP: Number, Opinion, Size, Age, Shape, Color, Origin, Material, Purpose. However, remember that this is a guideline, and native speakers sometimes adjust the order for stylistic effect or emphasis. For formal writing and exams, sticking to NOSASCOMP is recommended.
2. What are the rules for adjective order in English?
While NOSASCOMP is a helpful mnemonic, understanding the categories is key:
• Number (one, two, many)
• Opinion (beautiful, ugly, interesting)
• Size (large, small, tiny)
• Age (old, new, ancient)
• Shape (round, square, rectangular)
• Color (red, blue, green)
• Origin (Italian, American, Japanese)
• Material (wooden, plastic, silk)
• Purpose (running, dining, sleeping).
Generally, adjectives within each category are flexible; the overall sequence is what matters most.
3. Why is the order of adjectives important?
Correct adjective order ensures clarity and natural fluency. Incorrect order can sound awkward or even change the meaning. It shows grammatical competence and improves the overall quality of your writing.
4. What is NOSASCOMP, and how does it help?
NOSASCOMP is a helpful mnemonic device to remember the typical order of adjectives in English: Number, Opinion, Size, Age, Shape, Color, Origin, Material, Purpose. It provides a framework for arranging multiple adjectives before a noun.
5. Are there any exceptions to the order of adjectives?
Yes, while NOSASCOMP is a useful guide, there are exceptions. Native speakers sometimes deviate for stylistic reasons or emphasis. However, for clarity and formal writing, following the general order is recommended.
6. How can I practice using the correct adjective order?
Practice writing sentences with multiple adjectives, consciously applying the NOSASCOMP order. Try rewriting sentences with incorrectly ordered adjectives. Use online exercises and worksheets to reinforce your understanding.
7. What happens if I don't follow the order of adjectives?
While not always grammatically incorrect, deviating from the standard order can make your writing sound unnatural or unclear to native English speakers. It might also lead to misinterpretations of your intended meaning.
8. Can I use all nine adjective types together?
It's unusual to use all nine adjective types simultaneously before a single noun. Three or four is more typical. Using all nine might sound unnatural or overly verbose in most contexts.
9. Give me five examples of correctly ordered adjectives in sentences.
1. He wore a worn, small, brown leather jacket.
2. She bought three beautiful, large, old vases.
3. They saw a single, bright red sports car.
4. The artist used a thin, long, wooden brush.
5. I ate two delicious, small, round cookies.
10. How is adjective order different in other languages?
Adjective order varies significantly across languages. What's considered correct in English may be incorrect in other languages. The order is often determined by grammatical rules specific to each language.
11. What resources can help me learn more about adjective order?
Numerous online resources, grammar textbooks, and educational websites offer detailed explanations and exercises on adjective order. Vedantu also provides various supplementary materials to help you master this aspect of English grammar.
12. Is there a difference between adjective order in spoken and written English?
While the general principles of adjective order apply to both spoken and written English, more flexibility might be observed in spoken English, where natural flow and emphasis can sometimes override strict adherence to the standard order. For formal writing, sticking to the guidelines is essential.
