When several adjectives are used to modify a noun, they need to be put in a particular order. For example, we say a fat old woman, and not an old fat woman. Similarly we say, a large shiny brown leather bag, and not a leather large shiny brown bag. There are no comprehensive rules for adjective order. The few rules we have are complicated and different grammars disagree about the details. Nevertheless, some of the most important rules are explained here.

Some words are sometimes used as adjectives and sometimes as adverbs. Examples are: loud, fast, high, next, back, little, hard, ill, best, quick, early, only, enough, much etc.

Double comparatives and double superlatives

Double comparatives and double superlatives were once common in English, but now they are not used.

Adjectives with verbs

An adjective can be used with a verb when some quality of the subject, rather than the action of the verb is to be expressed.
Read the sentences given below:

Supply the proper form of the adjective given in the brackets.

Fill in the blanks with appropriate adjectives. Each question is followed by two suggested answers. Choose the most appropriate one.

1.    He arrived ——————— than I expected.

Pick out all the adjectives in the following sentences and say to which class each of them belongs.

1.    The car sustained heavy damage in the accident.
2.    He has written several stories.
3.    A dog is very faithful to its master.
4.    Every man has his duties.
5.    He is a man of few words.
6.    Neither party is quite in the right.
7.    Which color do you prefer?
8.    The way was long, the wind was cold.
9.    He calls me every day.
10.    I have not seen him in several days.
11.    John won the second prize.
12.    He was absent from the class.
13.    He died a glorious death.
14.    A small leak is enough to sink a great ship.
15.    King Francis was a hearty king and loved a royal sport.