Opinion and Fact Adjectives: Word Order

As English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners, you must know that adjectives are the spice of language, allowing us to paint vivid pictures with our words. In English, adjectives come in various flavors, but they can generally be divided into two main categories: opinion and fact adjectives.

Opinion Adjectives are subjective—they reflect the feelings, opinions, or judgments of the speaker or writer. These adjectives describe how someone perceives something rather than stating a verifiable fact. Examples include “beautiful,” “ugly,” “interesting,” “delicious,” “boring,” and “exciting.”

Fact Adjectives, on the other hand, describe objective characteristics of nouns. They provide concrete information about size, age, shape, color, origin, material, and purpose. Fact adjectives help us understand the physical attributes of objects, people, or places without introducing personal opinions.

When using multiple fact adjectives to describe a noun, English follows a specific word order to maintain clarity and coherence in communication. This order is as follows:

Opinion (if applicable)
Size
Age
Shape
Color
Origin
Material
Purpose

Let’s delve into each of these categories with more examples:

Size:

The big elephant trumpeted loudly.
She carried a tiny purse everywhere she went.
He moved into a spacious apartment downtown.

Age:

The old oak tree stood tall in the park.
She found a new puppy wandering the streets.
They visited an ancient castle during their vacation.

Shape:

He bought a round table for the dining room.
The kids played with a square puzzle.
She admired the triangular roof of the house.

Color:

The sky turned a beautiful pink during sunset.
They painted the walls a soothing blue color.
He wore a striking yellow tie to the party.

Origin:

She bought a French perfume as a gift.
They dined at an authentic Italian restaurant.
He received a gift from his Japanese pen pal.

Material:

The artist sculpted a statue out of marble.
She wrapped herself in a cozy woolen blanket.
They built a sturdy fence using wooden planks.

Purpose:

He bought a decorative vase for the living room.
She received a medical treatment for her condition.
They attended a charity event to support a cause.

Opinion and Fact Adjectives: Word Order

Here are more example sentences with different types of fact adjectives together:

She has a small, round, red ball.
He bought a big, modern, black car.
They live in a nice, old, white house.
The cat is small, fluffy, and gray.
It’s a long, tall, green tree.
She wore a pretty, flowery, pink dress.
He owns a cute, brown, furry dog.
They bought a simple, square, wooden table.
The book is interesting, old, and thick.
It’s a soft, warm, blue blanket.

In conclusion, mastering the word order of adjectives, particularly when using multiple fact adjectives, enhances both the clarity and richness of your English communication. By understanding and practicing the proper sequence of adjectives—opinion, size, age, shape, color, origin, material, and purpose—you can effectively describe the world around you with precision and eloquence. So, whether you’re describing a breathtaking landscape, a delicious meal, or a cozy home, remember the importance of word order in conveying your message accurately and vividly. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll find yourself effortlessly weaving vibrant descriptions into your everyday conversations and writing.