The order of the adjectives?

Question

Hi,we know the patern below
determiner+quality+size+color+nationality+material+noun
but what about the shape?(for example round) where should we put it?)
could u plz put these in the right order? A/beautiful/large/white/french/wooden/round/box
I also have another question what order should we follow when we have more than 2 adjectives for quality for example we have beautiful and celever what the right order is?
or when we have tall and thin together?

Answer 1

Typically, shape comes after size.

A longer order, including the terms you've listed would be:
Determiner/quantifier {A/the/these/three}
Subjective Opinion {BEAUTIFUL}
*Size {LARGE}
*Shape {round}
*Age {old, ten-year old}
*Color {WHITE}
Origin/Source {FRENCH}
Material {wooden}
Qualifier {rocking}
NOUN: {chair(s)}

*Note that this group (physical features) is not quite as set in order as the rest are.

Of course, as is often the case with language, even if there is a general pattern, we make exceptions in everyday speech. And there are MANY idiomatic expressions that deviate widely from the common pattern.

For more on the categories above and a very convenient printable chart, filled with illustrations, check out:
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/adjectives.htm#order

For a table with an even more complete listing of the various types of adjectives, and which are more and less likely to change order, see:
http://www.angelfire.com/wi3/englishcorner/grammar/rules/adjord.html

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For your other question. I'm not sure you can speak of a "set" order within a category. For the 'subjective' adjectives you list the order "beautiful, clever" might be more expected, but the reverse order is perfectly fine. The order is likely to vary more based on what you want to EMPHASIZE. And other factors can come into play. For instance, shorter 'simpler' forms tend to come first. Thus you would expect "The smartest, most beautiful. .. " or "The cutest, most intelligent. . ."

As for the other pair -- "tall thin" is the ordinary order, since the first describes SIZE, the second SHAPE.

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I'm aware of that link with a different order... it comes up very near the top in some web searches. But that doesn't mean it's right and it disagrees with numerous other sources. Of course, as I noted, it is just THIS group of adjectives ("physical characteristics) that is most likely to change order. So you'll find some difference in 'real life' examples.

Answer 2

There are actually more divisions in adjectives:

Opinion - silly, funny, serious, BEAUTIFUL
Size - LARGE, small
Age - old, new, ancient
Shape - ROUND, flat, long
Color - Red, blue, WHITE
Origin - FRENCH, lunar, Greek, terrestrail
Material - Woolen, paper, metal
Purpose - often the '-ing' words - sleeping bag, cooking pot, etc.

If you have two from same type, there's no set order - just keep them together.

EDIT: Well, you sure get differences of opinion, based on whose Grammar Handbook you use, so I added my source as a reference.

Answer 3

I am not 100% sure, but just speaking it aloud people would normally say
"A beautiful large white round french".

For your tall and thin question, this would work
"A thin but tall, green plant"