I came across this fascinating article recently and wanted to share it here. The article talks about rules non-English speakers are taught when learning English, and how most native English speakers follow these rules automatically without even knowing they exist.
In particular, did you know that a series of adjectives has be in a specific order? I didn’t! But when you think about it, you would never put adjectives in the wrong order, because it wouldn’t sound right. For example:
- Her beautiful long blond hair.
- Her blond beautiful long hair.
Why does the second phrase sound wrong? I couldn’t have told you, other than “it just does.” Turns out, there is actually a correct order for a series of adjectives. It goes like this:
Opinion-size-age-shape-color-origin-material-purpose.
In the first example above, the adjectives are in order: opinion-size-color. When reversed, they don’t look right at all.
Try this yourself: next time you hear or say a series of adjectives, try rearranging them. I bet you’ll automatically know when they are in the wrong order.
Flaunt the Rules 
Wow holy shiitake mushroom! I taught English in Japan and never heard about nor considered this.
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Interesting! I’ve never taught English as a second language, but I bet doing so gives you a neat perspective!
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