Order of cumulative adjectives

Adjectives usually come before the nouns they modify. They may also come after linking verbs.

Example sentence: Janine wore a new necklace. Explanation: The adjective “new” comes before the noun “necklace.” Example sentence: Janine's necklace was new. The adjective “new” follows the linking verb “was.”

Cumulative adjectives cannot be joined by the word and or separated by commas. They must come in a particular order before a noun.

The chart describes the typical order, but it t is only a guide; don’t be surprised if you encounter exceptions.

Order of cumulative adjectives

Exercise: Using cumulative adjectives 1

Exercise: Using cumulative adjectives 2

Related topics:

Adjectives

Linking verbs

Commas with adjectives

linking verb A verb that links a subject to a subject complement, a word or word group that renames or describes the subject. Linking verbs are be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been; also appear, become, feel, grow, look, make, seem, smell, sound, taste.