Log inSign up

La probabilité de gagner le gros lot est très basse.

La probabilité de gagner le gros lot est très basse.
The probability of winning the grand prize is very low.
From Lesson 317:Provided that (pourvu que)·French

Questions & Answers about La probabilité de gagner le gros lot est très basse.

Why is there a de before gagner?
When a noun is followed by an infinitive to explain or define its content, French usually connects them with the preposition de. Here, de links the noun la probabilité to the action gagner.
What exactly does le gros lot refer to?
Le gros lot literally translates to the big share or the big prize. It is the standard French phrase for the jackpot in a lottery or the grand prize in a contest. Just like in English, it can also be used figuratively to mean hitting the jackpot.
Could I use faible instead of basse to describe the probability?
Yes, and it is actually more natural. While basse is correct and widely understood here, native French speakers more frequently use the adjective faible (weak) when describing chances, rates, or probabilities. You will very often hear la probabilité est très faible.
Is there a rule for remembering that probabilité is feminine so we know to use basse?
Yes! As a helpful refresher, almost all French nouns ending in -té are feminine. This includes words like la liberté, la société, and la probabilité. There are only a handful of masculine exceptions, such as le comité and le côté.

Learn La probabilité de gagner le gros lot est très basse and more in French

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.

  • ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
  • ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
  • ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free
Start learning French →