Breakdown of Cela semble invraisemblable ; toujours est-il que la bête est là.
être
to be
là
there
sembler
to seem
cela
that
Questions & Answers about Cela semble invraisemblable ; toujours est-il que la bête est là.
Why does toujours est-il que trigger the indicative (est) rather than the subjunctive?
Even though phrases ending in que often require the subjunctive, toujours est-il que is used to assert a definite reality. You are pointing out a concrete fact (the beast is actually there). Because it expresses a certainty rather than a doubt, emotion, or possibility, it always takes the indicative mood.
Why are the subject and verb inverted in the phrase toujours est-il?
This is a fixed expression based on a formal French grammar rule. In formal or written French, starting a clause with certain adverbs like toujours, peut-être, or sans doute triggers subject-verb inversion. The phrase toujours est-il que is fossilized, meaning it is always written with this inversion even in modern spoken French.
How can I remember the meaning of the word invraisemblable?
You can easily deduce its meaning by breaking the word into its parts. It combines the negative prefix in-, the word vrai (true), and semblable (seeming). Literally translating to untrue-seeming, it is the perfect French equivalent for implausible or unlikely.
Could I start this sentence with ça instead of cela?