Question 1

Why is the subjunctive soit used here instead of the indicative est?

Accepted Answer

The subjunctive soit is triggered by the word l'unique (the unique / the only). Words that express an absolute idea (like le seul, l'unique, le premier, or superlatives like le meilleur) often require the subjunctive in the following relative clause. It shows that this is a subjective opinion rather than an indisputable fact.

Question 2

Would it be grammatically wrong to say qui est remarquable?

Accepted Answer

Not exactly. You can use the indicative (est) if you want to state this as a hard, objective fact. However, using the subjunctive (soit) is very common with absolutes and superlatives because opinions about who is 'the best' or 'the only remarkable one' are naturally subjective.

Question 3

Why is the adjective unique placed before the noun actrice?

Accepted Answer

Certain adjectives that indicate order or absolute status, like unique (only), seul (only), and premier (first), usually go before the noun. If you placed it after the noun (une actrice unique), the meaning changes slightly to describe her as 'a unique' or 'one-of-a-kind' actress rather than 'the only' actress.

Question 4

Could I use la seule instead of l'unique in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Yes! C'est la seule actrice qui soit remarquable is a perfect alternative and means 'She is the only actress who is remarkable'. Both l'unique and la seule are absolute terms that act exactly the same way to trigger the subjunctive.

C'est l'unique actrice qui soit remarquable.

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