Ne without pas

Question

Can anyone explain to me why there is a "ne" in the following sentences:

"Je crains que vous ne conduisiez trop vite" translated in the quiz as "I fear that you drive too fast."

"Les feuilles dorées auront tombé avant que nous n'arrivions" translated in the quiz as "The golden leaves will have fallen before we arrive."

Thank you.

Accepted Answer

Hi Barbara,
This is the case of the 'ne explétif' used in French after certain expressions and verbs indicating emotions like fear, doubt etc.
Take a look at the following Kwiziq lesson explaining its use in the two examples you quote -
https://french.kwiziq.com/revision/grammar/how-to-understand-the-ne-expletif
https://french.kwiziq.com/revision/grammar/how-to-use-avant-que-ne-expletif-subjonctif-before-i-do
Hope this helps!