Hiii so here you have showed us examples but haven't actually explained the function of "ne". What is the point of using "ne" on its own? (I mean when not being paired as ne...pas/ne...que/ne...plus)
I've asked my boyfriend who is french and even he can't explain it to me either haha.
Hi Katina,
Have a look here: https://www.wordreference.com/fren/ne
Certain verbs do not require the "pas" etc.
Jim
The ‘ne’ explétif isn’t for verb negation, although it will be found in sentences of certain constructions that carry a “negative” idea with an affirmative verb. The “ne” on its own that can be used to negate some verbs is “ne littéraire which, as its name suggests, is largely restricted to formal writing ( see 3rd link if you want more).
I think the lesson clearly states that ne explétif is basically one of those things that is! Below are other descriptions.
The reasons you can’t get an explanation include that it is ancient (whatever it is) and holds no interest for the majority of French speakers in conversation. (My wife is French - I can confirm no one in her family thinks about “ne explétif” either).
Particularly as it is now extremely common for even the negation “ne” to be dropped in speech, the only place you will likely see it is in writing or French courses. Worth being aware of, not worth an ounce of concern.
https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/ne-expletif/
https://ai.glossika.com/blog/le-ne-expletiflearn-how-to-use-le-ne-expletif-to-express-negative-ideas-in-french
https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/ne-litteraire/
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