Can we drop n before verbs starting by a vowel?

Phúc Đ.B2Kwiziq community member

Can we drop n before verbs starting by a vowel?

I wonder if we can do the same before verbs starting by a vowel, because in this case n would change the sound a bit.

For example:

- Je n'aime pas de chiens

- J'aime pas de chiens

This question relates to:French lesson "Omitting the "ne" in informal negative sentences in French (French Negations)"

Asked 3 years ago

Like0Answer3

Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

In normal everyday speech ne/n’ is regularly dropped in the negations. In normal written French, ne/n’ are not dropped. Of course, texting etc is a whole different ball game again !

Like13 years ago

CélineNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq

Bonjour Phùc,

To supplement Maarten's answer:

Written / formal / everyday : Je n'aime pas les chiens

Everyday / two good friends talking etc : J'aime pas les chiens

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée

Like13 years ago

Phúc Đ.B2Kwiziq community member

Merci pour vos bonnes réponses!

Like13 years ago

Phúc Đ. asked:

Can we drop n before verbs starting by a vowel?

I wonder if we can do the same before verbs starting by a vowel, because in this case n would change the sound a bit.

For example:

- Je n'aime pas de chiens

- J'aime pas de chiens

Don't have an account yet? Join today

« Does the translation match up for “leur lettre”, or should it be “leurs lettres”?Meaning of Qu'est-ce que c'est »

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level