Placement of adjective

TomC1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Placement of adjective

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

Thanks


Asked 2 years ago
CécileKwiziq team memberCorrect 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!

JimC1 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

JackC1Kwiziq 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!

Placement of adjective

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

Thanks


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