Question 1

Why does this sentence use the indicative a instead of the subjunctive ait after que?

Accepted Answer

Even though it might seem like it expresses an opinion, il est probable que (it is probable that) indicates a high degree of certainty. In French, expressions of high probability trigger the indicative. The subjunctive is only used when there is doubt, such as with il est peu probable que (it is unlikely that).

Question 2

Would the verb change if I made the sentence negative?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it would! Saying il n'est pas probable que introduces doubt, which means you must switch to the subjunctive. The sentence would become: Il n'est pas probable que le chercheur ait raison.

Question 3

Why use a raison instead of a form of être (to be)?

Accepted Answer

English speakers say someone is right, but French speakers say someone has right using the expression avoir raison. You only use forms of être, like est vrai (is true) or est exact (is correct), when talking about a fact or a statement, rather than a person.

Question 4

Can le chercheur be used for any type of researcher?

Accepted Answer

Yes, un chercheur (from the verb chercher, to look for) is the standard term for a researcher in science, academia, or industry. If the researcher were female, the word would be la chercheuse.

Il est probable que le chercheur a raison.

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