Ne explétif after sans que

Anne D.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Ne explétif after sans que

With respect, are D.G and Cécile’s posts right? Surely ne is only needed after sans que when the verb preceding it is negative, and then only in more formal French. So "Tu as fait tout ça sans que Neve soit au courant" will not require a "ne".  

The linked lesson could be a little clearer, but says:

If the main verb is NOT used with negations, then you CANNOT use the ne explétif.

If the main verb is used with a negation, you can use the ne explétif, but it is considered optional

Asked 13 hours ago
Anne D. asked:

Ne explétif after sans que

With respect, are D.G and Cécile’s posts right? Surely ne is only needed after sans que when the verb preceding it is negative, and then only in more formal French. So "Tu as fait tout ça sans que Neve soit au courant" will not require a "ne".  

The linked lesson could be a little clearer, but says:

If the main verb is NOT used with negations, then you CANNOT use the ne explétif.

If the main verb is used with a negation, you can use the ne explétif, but it is considered optional

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