Hi,
I thought we had to use de after negative sentences -
Elle n'aime pas les bonbons - is given as an example
Would it not be: Elle n'aime pas de bonbons?
Unsure why les has been used here
Hi,
I thought we had to use de after negative sentences -
Elle n'aime pas les bonbons - is given as an example
Would it not be: Elle n'aime pas de bonbons?
Unsure why les has been used here
Bonjour Clara,
When using verbs of preferences (such as aimer, préférer, détester, etc.), you will need to use the definite articles as you're giving a general opinion. This is not the case when using verbs of action with a partitive article (such as avoir, manger, boire, etc.).
-> You're describing what you're doing / "du" is a partitive article
-> You're giving a general opinion / you must use a definite article
Take a look below:
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !
Clara,
A frequent source of confusion !
There are two main grammar issues referred to in your question.
1. The use of ‘ de ‘ in place of partitive/indefinite articles in negations. This applies to most verbs in appropriate situations, as per the lesson I think you are recalling :
Du/de la/de l'/des all become de/d' in negative sentences (French Partitive Articles)
And
2. The rule that definite articles do not change in negations. This rule is also noted in the lesson I have linked above.
In the lesson you linked, the focus is on the set of verbs of appreciation which are followed by definite articles, not partitives/indefinite articles
For example, In French, you could say
‘ J’aime/n’aime pas certaines pommes ‘
but not
‘ J’aime des pommes ‘,
and consequently
not
‘ Je n’aime pas de pommes ‘ either.
I think if you review both lessons together, it will be clearer.
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