Adjective Position

Aashpreet K.A1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Adjective Position

Why does "important" and "magnifique" come before the nouns here? -

Usually the adjectives go after the noun.


1. Dominé par une magnifique abbaye construite en l’honneur de Saint-Michel.

2. C’est un important centre religieux.

Asked 1 year ago
Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Bonjour Aashpreet,

A search of the forum will reveal that this type of question has been raised many times before.

Normally we expect that the adjective placed before the noun expresses an abstract meaning

whereas after the noun a more concrete/descriptive meaning.

I recommend that you carry out a forum search to reveal the many other comments.

Bonne journée

Jim

Aashpreet K.A1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Hey Jim, I found a comment about "magnifique" in the forum, that it can be used before and after the noun. But for "important" could you explain how and what abstract meaning does "un important centre religieux." convey? And how it differs with "un centre religieux important." This is not clear to me.

Hehe T.A0Kwiziq community member

Hello Aashpreet! 

         I am here studying for school, and one thing my teacher taught me is BANGS: Beauty (ex. ugly, handsome), Age, Number (third, twenty-six), Goodness (ex. good, bad, best, worst), and Size. Anything to do with those will come before the noun.

         Hope this helped!

Adjective Position

Why does "important" and "magnifique" come before the nouns here? -

Usually the adjectives go after the noun.


1. Dominé par une magnifique abbaye construite en l’honneur de Saint-Michel.

2. C’est un important centre religieux.

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
I'll be right with you...