Are these are examples of ne explétif
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FaridKwiziq community member
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!
This question relates to:French lesson "What is the ne explétif and when to use it in French"
Asked 6 years ago
JohannesKwiziq 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.

Farid asked:View original
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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