Je crains que

Question

Hi, I have just taken the French proficiency exam and this was a question I answered incorrectly, but I am confused as the answer seems to be opposite of the original sentence:

Je crains qu’il tombe malade. » Quelle phrase a le même sens et grammaticalement correct ?

Correct answer: Je crains qu’il ne tombe malade
Your answer: Je crains qu’il est malade. I don't understand the error and I don't understand the use of 'ne' but not 'pas.' Can anyone help?

Céline Pickard · Accepted Answer

Bonjour Paulette,
Maarten's explanation about the use of the "ne explétif" is good. Also, in French, "craindre que" is followed by Le Subjonctif and not L'Indicatif (est):

Je crains qu'il (ne) est soit malade = I fear he is ill
Je crains qu'il (n')ait raison = I fear he is right

See link below:
Mode subjonctif - French Subjunctive Mood
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !

Maarten Kamp · Answer

Paulette,

this an example of ‘ ne explétif ‘ which doesn’t change the meaning of the phrase, so is the correct answer.

Your answer subtly changes the meaning as seen also from possible English translations “ I fear he is falling ill ” (Je crains qu’il tombe malade) is not the exactly the same as “ I fear he is ill “ ( Je crains qu’il soit malade ).

This use of the ne explétif is identical to that for ‘ avoir peur ‘ as covered in the first link. For further information the second link to Laura Lawless site should be useful.

What is the ne explétif and when to use it in French

https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/ne-expletif/