Ne without pas

Barbara F.C1Kwiziq community member

Ne without pas

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.

Asked 5 years ago
CécileKwiziq team memberCorrect 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://kwiziq.learnfrenchwithalexa.com/revision/grammar/how-to-understand-the-ne-expletif

https://kwiziq.learnfrenchwithalexa.com/revision/grammar/how-to-use-avant-que-ne-expletif-subjonctif-before-i-do

Hope this helps!

Ne without pas

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.

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...