Ne explétif (Compréhension) Flashcards
The ne explétif (also called ne pléonastique) is an optional "ne" that appears in certain subordinate clauses after verbs or expressions conveying fear, doubt, prevention, or restriction. It does not make the sentence negative—it is purely stylistic and often used in formal or literary French.
1
Q
Avant que + ne
A
Before (Avant qu’il ne parte = Before he leaves)
2
Q
Sans que + ne
A
Without (Sans qu’il ne le sache = Without him knowing it)
3
Q
De peur que + ne
A
For fear that (Il a fermé la porte de peur qu’on ne l’entende = He closed the door for fear that someone might hear him)
4
Q
De crainte que + ne
A
Lest, for fear that (Je chuchote de crainte qu’elle ne se réveille = I whisper for fear that she might wake up)
5
Q
À moins que + ne
A
Unless (Nous partirons à moins qu’il ne pleuve = We will leave unless it rains)
