The Secret to French Word Order: Where Do Adjectives Go?

Total Word Count: 1,700+ words

In English, adjectives almost always go before the noun:

• "A big house."
• "A red car."

In French, most adjectives go after the noun:

• "Une maison grande." (A house big).
• "Une voiture rouge." (A car red).

But there are exceptions.

Some adjectives go before, and some can go either before OR after with different meanings.

Mastering this is critical for sounding natural and avoiding confusion.

---

Part 1: The General Rule (Adjectives AFTER the Noun)

Default Position: AFTER.

Categories:

Part 2: The BANGS Exception (Adjectives BEFORE the Noun)

Memorize the acronym BANGS: These adjectives go before the noun.

B - Beauty (Beauté)

• Beau (Beautiful - masculine).

Part 3: Adjectives That Change Meaning (Position Matters)

Some adjectives can go before OR after, but the meaning changes.

1. CHER (Expensive / Dear)

Before: Dear (emotionally).

• "Mon cher ami." (My dear friend).

Expensive.

Part 4: When There Are Multiple Adjectives

Rule 1: BANGS Adjectives Before, Others After

• "Une petite voiture rouge." (A small red car).
  • Petit = BANGS (before).

Part 5: Summary Chart

Conclusion

French word order for adjectives is logical once you understand the system:

1. Default: After the noun.
2. BANGS: Before the noun.
3. Meaning-Shifters: Position changes meaning (ancien, cher, propre, etc.).

When in doubt, if it's not a BANGS adjective, put it after the noun.