"Il n'aime pas la critique." Why doesn't "la" become "de"here?

Rachel B.A1Kwiziq community member

"Il n'aime pas la critique." Why doesn't "la" become "de"here?

Since after negations, definite articles become de. (With the exception of être as the verb).
Asked 6 years ago
GruffNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq

Hi Rachel - definite articles (le, la, l', les) and zero articles remain unchanged in negative sentences. Partitive articles and indefinite articles change to de or 'd.

I'll get the lessons on this updated to make that clear, I can see how that's easy to miss. 

AurélieNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq

Bonjour Rachel !

Actually, definite articles don't become "de", only partitive articles (du, de la, de l', des) and indefinite articles (un, une, des) - except with être !

I hope that's helpful!
Bonne journée !

"Il n'aime pas la critique." Why doesn't "la" become "de"here?

Since after negations, definite articles become de. (With the exception of être as the verb).

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
Let me take a look at that...