De / les

Question

Hi, I thought we had to use de after negative sentences -Elle n'aime pas les bonbons - is given as an exampleWould it not be: Elle n'aime pas de bonbons? Unsure why les has been used here

Céline Pickard · Accepted Answer

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.).
Je bois du café -> Je ne bois pas de café
-> You're describing what you're doing / "du" is a partitive article
J'aime le café -> Je n'aime pas le café
-> You're giving a general opinion / you must use a definite article
 
Take a look below:
Je ne mange pas de poisson.
 
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !

Maarten Kamp · Answer

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 : https://progress.lawlessfrench.com/revision/grammar/the-partitive-article-in-negative-sentences 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 articlesFor 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.