Question

Which sentence orders adjectives correctly? (92 points)

a
The corduroy, spotted, red, old couch needs to be replaced.

b
The old, red, spotted, corduroy couch needs to be replaced.

c
The red, old, corduroy, spotted couch needs to be replaced.

d
The spotted, corduroy, old, red couch needs to be replaced.

Which sentence orders adjectives correctly? (2 points)

a
The corduroy, spotted, red, old couch needs to be replaced.

b
The old, red, spotted, corduroy couch needs to be replaced.

c
The red, old, corduroy, spotted couch needs to be replaced.

d
The spotted, corduroy, old, red couch needs to be replaced.

Answer 1

The correct sentence that orders adjectives according to the canonical order is option (b): 'The old, red, spotted, corduroy couch needs to be replaced.' This follows the traditional sequence of adjective order in English, which is generally age, color, pattern, and material.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct order of adjectives in English usually follows a specific sequence that includes opinion, size, age, shape, color, origin, material, and purpose. Considering this canonical order of adjectives, the accurate sentence is option (b): "The old, red, spotted, corduroy couch needs to be replaced." This sentence correctly orders the adjectives by age ('old'), color ('red'), pattern ('spotted'), and material ('corduroy').

Here's how the canonical order guides us:

• Age before color: 'old' comes before 'red'.
• Color before pattern: 'red' comes before 'spotted'.
• Pattern before material: 'spotted' comes before 'corduroy'.

This order generally makes the description clearer and more stylistically pleasing in English, although sometimes adherence to the canonical order may be altered for emphasis or stylistic reasons. However, for the question at hand, sticking to the canonical order is the best approach.