De peur que + a negative clause with subjunctive?

Question

All the examples of the use of "De peur que..." are followed the use of the "ne explitif+ the subjunctive"

"Il ne voulait pas te le dire de peur que tu n'aies raison" He didn't want to tell you out of fear that you'd be right"

I assume that when "De peur que..." is followed by a possible negative result, the subjunctive is still used:

"Il ne voulait pas te le dire de peur que tu ne sois pas surpris." He didn't want to tell you out of fear that you wouldn't be surprised.

(Apologies if there is a lesson on the use of "De peur que + the subjunctive", I don't see a link here and I didn't find one listed under lessons.)

As always,

Merci beaucoup,

Hilary

Chris Wirt · Accepted Answer

If you have a sentence in the negative where, in its positive meaning, you'd use a ne-explétif, you just use normal negation rules without the ne-explétif.
...de peur que tu ne sois surprise. -- .. out of fear that you'd be surprised....de peur que tu ne sois pas surprise. -- ...out of fear that you wouldn't be surprised.

N. Hilary (Shamrockhill) Welsh · Answer

Merci Chris,I did find "De peur que..." in the Subjunctivisor, but the only example given uses the "ne expletif":David n’est pas venu de peur que son ex ne soit là.David didn’t come for fear that his ex would be here.I understand by your answer that "De peur que..." also uses the subjunctive in a normal negative situation.With the "ne expletif":"Je suis rentre tot de peur que tu ne sois inquiet" I came home early out of fear that you'd be worried.But:"Je suis rentre tot de peur que tu ne sois pas pret a sortir": I came home early out of fear that you wouldn't be ready to go out.Merci et Bonne continuation !Hilary