Question 1

Why doesn't quelque have an 's' at the end here?

Accepted Answer

In the construction quelque + [adjective] + que, quelque acts as an adverb meaning "however" or "no matter how". Since it is an adverb modifying the adjective moderne, it is invariable and never takes an 's'. It only takes an 's' when it acts as an adjective modifying a plural noun, as in quelques problèmes.

Question 2

Why is the verb soit placed before the subject le sous-marin?

Accepted Answer

After quelque ... que, it is very common and stylistically elegant to invert the noun subject and the verb. While Quelque moderne que le sous-marin soit is grammatically correct, placing soit before the noun flows better and is the standard word order in the formal register where this expression is used.

Question 3

I see soit is the subjunctive of être. Why is the subjunctive required here?

Accepted Answer

The concessive phrase quelque ... que always triggers the subjunctive. This is because it sets up a hypothetical or theoretical contrast—you are essentially saying "no matter how modern it might be"—which introduces a level of subjectivity and doubt, requiring the subjunctive mood.

Question 4

Is quelque moderne que a phrase I should try to use in everyday conversation?

Accepted Answer

Not really. This structure is quite formal and is mostly found in literature, journalism, or formal speeches. In everyday spoken French, you would be much more likely to hear a simpler phrase like Même si le sous-marin est très moderne... (Even if the submarine is very modern...).

Quelque moderne que soit le sous-marin, l'océan est dangereux.

Breakdown of Quelque moderne que soit le sous-marin, l'océan est dangereux.

Questions & Answers about Quelque moderne que soit le sous-marin, l'océan est dangereux.

Learn Quelque moderne que soit le sous-marin, l'océan est dangereux and more in French