NE EXPLETIF

Question

The following answer is given as correct: 'J'ai eu peur que nous soyons arrivés trop tard'.  My question is: given its 'negative ' sentiment shouldn't the answer include the 'ne expletif'?

Accepted Answer

Bonjour Tim,
You are correct although the "ne explétif" is considered optional these days as explained by Chris. We cannot add "ne / n'" in this test question as it would make the answer far too obvious. So, we've decided to remove it and replace it with another test question that is less ambiguous.
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !

Answer

You're right, in written French you would definitely use the ne-explétif. In spoken French it has become optional.