If I wanted to say "I don't need" would I say je n'ai pas besoin or je n'ai besoin pas? I'm not sure I'm finding this phrase difficult!

CatherineA1Kwiziq community member

If I wanted to say "I don't need" would I say je n'ai pas besoin or je n'ai besoin pas? I'm not sure I'm finding this phrase difficult!

Asked 5 years ago
ChrisC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Hi Catherine,

ne..pas always brackets the first conjugated verb. Any potential object to the verb comes after it. Therefore it is:

Je n'ai pas besoin de cela. -- I don't need that.

-- Chris (not a native speaker).

Sukhpreet AroraA2Kwiziq community member

It should be je n'ai pas besoin de.... We only wrap/sandwich the verb for a negative sentence. Hope this helps Catherine.. 

If I wanted to say "I don't need" would I say je n'ai pas besoin or je n'ai besoin pas? I'm not sure I'm finding this phrase difficult!

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Clever stuff happening!