Are these are examples of ne explétif

Farid M.C1Kwiziq community member

Hello, I have started reading L'etranger by Albert Camus recently. I see the following two sentences with the use of ne and no other negative words (like "pas" or "rien", etc). Are they examples of Ne Explétif", or is there another explanation? 1. "Puis il m’a serré la main qu’il a gardée si long- temps que je ne savais trop comment la retirer." 2. "Vous ne pouviez subvenir à ses besoins." Merci beaucoup en avance!

This question relates to:French lesson "What is the ne explétif and when to use it in French"

Asked 8 years ago

Like2Answer3

Janie C.C1Kwiziq community member

No

Like08 years ago

Janie C.C1Kwiziq community member

They re just spoken French - more casual style, not using the pas etc

Like08 years ago

Johannes S.C1Kwiziq community member

I think Farid is right. One finds such sentences in French. Sometimes, one can omit the "pas". I would however not be able to give a rule.

Like08 years ago

Farid M. asked:

Are these are examples of ne explétif

Hello, I have started reading L'etranger by Albert Camus recently. I see the following two sentences with the use of ne and no other negative words (like "pas" or "rien", etc). Are they examples of Ne Explétif", or is there another explanation? 1. "Puis il m’a serré la main qu’il a gardée si long- temps que je ne savais trop comment la retirer." 2. "Vous ne pouviez subvenir à ses besoins." Merci beaucoup en avance!

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