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Placement of adjective

Tom G.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Placement of adjective

In the phrase, "curieuses boîtes", how do you know to place curieuses before the noun.

Thanks


This question relates to:French writing exercise "British National Museums"

Freeform Writing Exercise B2

Asked 3 years ago
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CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Tom, 

The adjective curieux/curieuse has different meanings depending on its placing.

Before a noun it means odd/strange/intriguing/interesting.

After the noun it means inquisitive and normally refers to people.

Hope this helps!

Like43 years ago
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Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi Tom,

I'm thinking to express "strange boxes" in an abstract sense, rather than a descriptive sense (after the noun).

Hope this helps

Jim

Like03 years ago
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Jack G.C1Kwiziq community member

Is there a COMPLETE list of adjectives that have this dual personality? My large Collins has such a list but 'curious' is not in it. Placement of 'curious' before the noun is hinted at in the word's definition, but it is not really clear. This seems to be a deep, dark secret of the language!

Like12 years ago
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Tom G. asked:View original

Placement of adjective

In the phrase, "curieuses boîtes", how do you know to place curieuses before the noun.

Thanks


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« Use of de in front of mieuxQu'est-ce que ça va dire ? Ou Qu'est-ce que ça veut dire? »
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