In English, adjectives are not arranged randomly. Instead, they follow a specific rule known as OSASCOMP. This formula helps learners remember the correct adjective order in a logical and easy-to-apply way. In this article, IDP will explain what OSASCOMP is, how to use it correctly, and provide clear examples to help you avoid common mistakes in both everyday communication and the IELTS exam.
1. What is the OSASCOMP rule?
OSASCOMP is a memory rule that shows the correct order of adjectives in English when more than one adjective is used to describe a noun. Applying this rule helps your sentences sound grammatically correct, natural, and fluent—especially useful when preparing for IELTS.
OSASCOMP stands for:
O – Opinion
S – Size
A – Age
S – Shape
C – Color
O – Origin
M – Material
P – Purpose
2. Adjective order according to OSASCOMP
2.1. Components of OSASCOMP with examples
Component | Description | Examples |
O – Opinion | Adjectives expressing personal judgement or evaluation (subjective). These can be general (nice, useful, interesting) or specific (perfect, ideal, suitable). General opinions usually come first. | a useful online course
a really inspiring story |
S – Size | Describes how big, small, long, or tall something is. | a large study room
a narrow street |
A – Age | Indicates how old, new, or modern something is. | a brand-new laptop
an ancient building |
S – Shape | Describes the physical form or outline of an object. | a long rectangular table
a circular mirror |
C – Color | Refers to colour or shade. | a dark blue backpack
a pale pink dress |
O – Origin | Indicates nationality or place of origin. | a Japanese car
traditional Korean food |
M – Material | Describes what something is made of. | a glass window
a cotton shirt |
P – Purpose | Indicates the function or use of the object. Often a noun or a V-ing form and placed closest to the noun. | a sleeping bag
a coffee table |
Example: A lovely small square wooden box.
Breakdown:
Lovely → Opinion
Small → Size
Square → Shape
Wooden → Material
Box → Noun
Following OSASCOMP, Opinion → Size → Shape → Material → Noun, which makes the sentence sound natural and correct.
2.2. Determiners and quantifiers
In English, determiners and quantifiers always come before all adjectives and the noun.
Correct structure: Determiner + Quantity + OSASCOMP + Noun
Determiners include:
Articles: a, an, the
Possessive adjectives: my, your, his, her, our, their
Demonstratives: this, that, these, those
Examples:
a beautiful old house
my small modern apartment
those large wooden doors
⚠️ You cannot use two determiners together.
Quantifiers include: some, any, many, much, few, a few, several, a lot of, two, three…
Examples:
two large glass windows
several interesting historical buildings
a few small local shops
3. A simple memory trick for OSASCOMP
To remember a long sequence of letters more easily, turn it into a fun Vietnamese phrase:
“Ông Sáu Ăn Súp Cua Ông Mập Phì”
Letter | Meaning | Vietnamese cue |
O | Opinion | Ông |
S | Size | Sáu |
A | Age | Ăn |
S | Shape | Súp |
C | Color | Cua |
O | Origin | Ông |
M | Material | Mập |
P | Purpose | Phì |
This mnemonic makes OSASCOMP much easier to recall during speaking or writing.
4. Using commas between adjectives
Not all adjectives placed next to each other require commas. Whether you use a comma depends on the type of adjectives and their relationship.
4.1. When commas are needed (same category)
If multiple adjectives from the same category (often Opinion) are used, they should be separated by commas. These adjectives are equal in function—you can switch their order or add and between them without changing the meaning.
Example:
a long, tiring journey → a long and tiring journey → a tiring, long journey
4.2. When commas are NOT needed (different categories)
When adjectives belong to different OSASCOMP categories, do not use commas. These adjectives have a fixed order and cannot be rearranged or joined with and.
Example:
a large square wooden table ✔
a large, square, wooden table ✘
Notes:
Do not place a comma between the final adjective and the noun. ✘ a stylish, black, dress ✔ a stylish black dress
Do not place a comma between a determiner/quantifier and an adjective. ✘ Those three, expensive watches ✔ Those three expensive watches
5. Practice exercises (with answers)
Exercise 1: Arrange the adjectives correctly
a (wooden / beautiful / small) chair
an (old / French / round) table
a (black / large / modern) backpack
an (Italian / red / elegant) dress
those (cotton / white / comfortable) shirts
a (metal / new / useful) tool
an (American / big / old) house
a (sleeping / blue / warm) bag
Answers:
a beautiful small wooden chair
an old round French table
a large modern black backpack
an elegant red Italian dress
those comfortable white cotton shirts
a useful new metal tool
a big old American house
a warm blue sleeping bag
Exercise 2: Correct the adjective order
She bought a wooden small table.
He lives in a French old house.
I need a metal useful box.
They stayed in a modern beautiful hotel.
She wore a silk red long dress.
He has an American big car.
We sat on a plastic white chair.
She packed a sleeping warm bag.
Corrected answers:
a small wooden table
an old French house
a useful metal box
a beautiful modern hotel
a long red silk dress
a big American car
a white plastic chair
a warm sleeping bag
Use OSASCOMP to sound more natural and accurate
Understanding what OSASCOMP is helps you remember the correct adjective order in English and avoid very common mistakes in both speaking and writing. When adjectives are arranged properly, your sentences become clearer, more natural, and easier to understand.
For IELTS learners, OSASCOMP is especially useful in IELTS Writing (describing charts, objects, or places) and IELTS Speaking (describing experiences or personal belongings). However, instead of forcing too many adjectives into one sentence, always prioritise clarity and accuracy. Regular practice with examples and exercises will help you apply OSASCOMP naturally and confidently.
If you’re preparing for IELTS, you can further improve your skills with IDP’s high-quality preparation courses and learning materials. For your convenience, IDP offers a wide range of IELTS test locations and flexible weekly test schedules.
When you’re ready, register for IELTS with IDP and start your journey toward your target score today!