Expletive "ne" following a positive main v | French Q & A

H. A.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Expletive "ne" following a positive main verb

My answer to a quiz question in which the main verb is positive included the “ne” expletive in the subordinate clause following "sans que". This was marked as wrong. I’ve followed the discussion about the use of this expletive with “sans que” and there appears to be no consensus about whether it can be used or not when the main verb is positive, and even the Académie Française equivocates. It seems that it’s quite common for “ne” to be used in this context, in which case shouldn't "ne" be allowed whether the main verb is negative or positive?

This question relates to:French lesson "Sans que (+ ne explétif) + the subjunctive mood (Le Subjonctif) = Without doing in French"

Asked 3 years ago

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CélineNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq

Bonjour Harry,

Could you write the question (as well as your answer) you are referring to please? It would make it easier to help with your query.

Merci et bonne journée !

Like03 years ago

H. A. asked:

Expletive "ne" following a positive main verb

My answer to a quiz question in which the main verb is positive included the “ne” expletive in the subordinate clause following "sans que". This was marked as wrong. I’ve followed the discussion about the use of this expletive with “sans que” and there appears to be no consensus about whether it can be used or not when the main verb is positive, and even the Académie Française equivocates. It seems that it’s quite common for “ne” to be used in this context, in which case shouldn't "ne" be allowed whether the main verb is negative or positive?

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