Question 1

Why doesn't this sentence use the subjunctive, given that "c'est incroyable" is a subjunctive trigger?

Accepted Answer

You are right that c'est incroyable que triggers the subjunctive (and the subjonctif passé for a past action). However, that only happens when there is a new subject in the subordinate clause, like C'est incroyable qu'elle l'ait fait (It is incredible that she did it). Because this sentence makes a general statement without a specific subject, it uses the impersonal structure c'est incroyable de followed by an infinitive (réaliser).

Question 2

Why is réaliser translated as "to achieve" instead of "to realize"?

Accepted Answer

Réaliser is a partial false friend. While it is used to mean "to realize" (to become aware), its traditional and very common meaning is "to make real," "to carry out," or "to achieve" (as in réaliser un rêve or réaliser un exploit). If you want to unambiguously say "to realize" a fact mentally, use se rendre compte.

Question 3

What exactly does une mention refer to in this context?

Accepted Answer

In French education and professional exams, une mention translates to "honors" or "a distinction." When someone passes an exam or achieves something exceptionally well, they get it avec mention (with honors), such as a mention bien or mention très bien.

Question 4

Could I use Il est incroyable instead of C'est incroyable here?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Il est incroyable de réaliser... is perfectly correct and is actually the more traditional, formal way to phrase an impersonal expression like this. However, in modern everyday spoken and written French, c'est has largely replaced il est in these constructions.

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