adjectives related to size - monumentale

Question

Hello! I was always taught that adjectives related to beauty, age, goodness and size went before the noun. I was wondering why the translation is “une toile monumentale” rather than une monumentale toile. Thank you!

Céline Pickard · Accepted Answer

Bonjour Adrienne,
Positioning "monumentale" after "une toile" is correct as adjectives of more than 3 syllables will tend to be placed after the noun they're referring to:

Une journée monumentale = a huge day
Une architecture spectaculaire = a spectacular architecture
Un bâtiment contemporain = a contemporary building
Une forêt équatoriale = an equatorial forest
Un roman autobiographique = an autobiographical novel

I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !

Céline Pickard · Answer

Bonjour Frank,
I checked the exercise and "monumentale" is placed after "toile". It might be a good idea to check your exercise history on your end. If this is the case (i.e. Kwizbot crossed "une toile monumentale" in red) and the issue still persists, don't hesitate to get back in touch via our helpdesk.
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !

Frank Cooke · Answer

I believe I put monumental after toile and I think it was not accepted.