[Grammar] I need some help with these sentences please (order of) adjectives

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Gotanno

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I can't find an explanation, according to the royal order of adjectives, for the order of these adjectives in the following sentences.

1) "Historical old buildings" or "Old historical buildings" - I really don't know which one is the correct form...
2) "Really important" or "important really" - I know the first form is the correct form, but why?

Many thanks
 
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Meja

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'Really' is an adverb, not an adjective. It is used as an intensifier for "important". That is my opinion and I am a learner.
 
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Rover_KE

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Meja, please read this extract from the Posting Guidelines:

You are welcome to answer questions posted in the Ask a Teacher forum as long as your suggestions, help, and advice reflect a good understanding of the English language. If you are not a teacher, you will need to state that clearly in your post.
 

MikeNewYork

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I would use "old historical buildings". "Old" is more intimately associated with "buildings". There are very few, if any, new historical buildings.
 

Gotanno

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I would use "old historical buildings". "Old" is more intimately associated with "buildings". There are very few, if any, new historical buildings.

Hi Mike,

Would you say that "historical" is a "qualifier" and therefore belongs after "age"? (as per this chart here). I'm afraid I didn't understand your clarification :/

Thanks
 

oldhastonian

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The correct order of adjectives is as follows:

opinion + size + quality/character + age + shape + colour + participles + origin + material + type + purpose

e.g. For sale: small, old, French carriage clock.
 

MikeNewYork

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Yes "historical" can be called a qualifier.
 
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