Breakdown of Il est peu probable que la trajectoire de l'astéroïde soit dangereuse.
être
to be
de
of / from / any (in negative sentences) / about (concerning)
il
it (impersonal subject)
peu
little, few
que
that (introducing a clause)
dangereux
dangerous
probable
probable
la trajectoire
the trajectory
l'astéroïde
the asteroid (m)
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?
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