Learn French: Il est peu probable que la trajectoire de l'astéroïde soit dangereuse. - It is unlikely that the asteroid's trajectory is dangerous.

Il est peu probable que la trajectoire de l'astéroïde soit dangereuse.

It is unlikely that the asteroid's trajectory is dangerous.

Breakdown of Il est peu probable que la trajectoire de l'astéroïde soit dangereuse.

être

to be

of / from / any (in negative sentences) / about (concerning)

it (impersonal subject)

peu

little, few

Questions & Answers about Il est peu probable que la trajectoire de l'astéroïde soit dangereuse.

Why is soit in the subjunctive here instead of the indicative?

The phrase il est peu probable que (it is unlikely that) expresses doubt or improbability, which triggers the subjunctive in French.

Since il est probable que takes the indicative, does adding peu really change the mood?

Yes! While il est probable que expresses a high degree of certainty and takes the indicative, adding peu changes the meaning to 'unlikely'. This introduces doubt, forcing the verb into the subjunctive (soit).

Why is the adjective dangereuse feminine if un astéroïde is masculine?

The adjective describes la trajectoire (the trajectory), which is a feminine noun, rather than the asteroid itself. Therefore, it must take the feminine form.

How can I tell the gender of astéroïde here since it uses l'?

You cannot tell from this sentence alone! Astéroïde is masculine (un astéroïde), which trips up many learners because it ends in an -e. It is a great vocabulary word to memorize with its article.