How did we not know about the adjective order rule?
Word people pride themselves on knowing the most subtle grammar rules. An observant author recently brought an unwritten adjective order rule to light. This revelation shocked many of us.
The Unwritten Adjective Order Rule
The unwritten adjective order rule prescribes the order in which adjectives should be listed by attribute category.
“Adjectives in English absolutely have to be written in this order: opinion-size-age-shape-colour-origin-material-purpose Noun.”
Former BBC Culture editor Matthew Anderson tweeted a photo. It was from “The Elements of Eloquence: How to Turn the Perfect English Phrase” by Mark Forsyth.
Forsyth says, “So you can have a lovely little old rectangular green French silver whittling knife.” Now, that’s way more adjectives than we would ever suggest stringing together into a single sentence. But the order feels correct. Rearranging the words does not.
Green Great Dragons
As evidence of the adjective order rule, Forsyth explains that, “as size comes before colour, green great dragons can’t exist.” This construction creates dissonance in English speakers’ ears. Something just doesn’t sound right.
Simon Horbin lists several reasons why we break the adjective order rule. First, some adjective-noun phrases act like a compound noun. Thus, it’s possible to have a “polyester little black dress” (material, size, color). Second, the Polyanna Principle holds that people prefer to put positive or indifferent qualities before negative ones. Third, there’s prosody—the rhythm and pattern of sounds in language. Speakers say shorter adjectives before longer adjectives. But despite these exceptions, the unwritten adjective order rule is compelling in most instances. Why is that?
Why Use This Order?
We have our own opinion at ProEdit. The categories in the adjective order rule generally move from subjective qualities toward factual qualities. “Opinion,” “size,” and “age” are more subjective than “shape” and “color” are. “Origin” and “material” are more concrete. Now, some philosophize that “purpose,” the final category in Forsyth’s list, is the most subjective attribute of all. But we think that “purpose” is a noun’s most intrinsic attribute. That’s why “purpose” deserves the coveted final spot before the noun.
What Do You Think?
Do you agree with Forsyth’s adjective order rule? Do you think our explanation of the order is a good one?
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See also:
More English Oddities