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 the noun:

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.