I had no idea ...

J. S.C1Kwiziq community member

I understand that aucun is more emphatic than pas de, but does "Je n'avait pas d'idée ..." not work for this sentence as well? Thank you.

Asked 11 months ago

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

I don't know the context but the two negations are different in their meaning:

Je n'avais pas d'idée -- I didn't have an idea.
Je n'avais aucune idée -- I had no idea.

Like011 months ago

CélineNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Bonjour Jennifer,

Chris is correct!

Remember:

Je n'avais pas d'idée ! = I didn't have any ideas!

-> meaning "any original thoughts"

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

Like111 months ago

I understand that aucun is more emphatic than pas de, but does "Je n'avait pas d'idée ..." not work for this sentence as well? Thank you.

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