Adjectives before nouns

Question

In two places in this exercise the adjective precedes the noun.  I don't understand why.  Can someone explain?  The situations were "L'imposant animal" and "riches plantations."  Thanks.

Accepted Answer

Bonjour Mary Anne,
- Both "L'imposant animal" and "L'animal imposant" can be used here. Having the adjective before the noun here does emphasise the fact that the animal is quite "impressive". Plus, as a stylistic choice, it is more elegant.
- "les riches plantations": "riches" is placed before the noun to refer to its figurative meaning (= rich, fertile) rather than literal meaning, "having a lot of money".
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !

Answer

There is also the stylistic subtlety that the inverted placement of the adjective, which moves from after to before the noun, makes it more uniquely pertaining to this single object.
L'animal imposant -- the impressive animal (in a more general sense)L'imposant animal -- the impressive animal (in a heightened sense of uniqueness of the animal)