Is this usage the same in negative sentences?

JamieB2Kwiziq community member

Is this usage the same in negative sentences?

I want to say "I have not written since December. Is this the correct way to say that: Je n’écris pas depuis décembre.

This question relates to:French lesson "Using 'depuis' (since / for) with Le Présent and NOT Le Passé Composé (prepositions of time)"

Asked 2 years ago

Like0Answer3

CécileKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Hi Jamie,

Yes indeed, your sentence is correct but it depends what you mean by it .

If you say -

Je n'écris pas depuis décembre

It means that you haven't been writing since December and it is an ongoing situation.

If you say -

Je n'ai pas écrit depuis décembre

it implies this might change.

Like12 years ago

AlanC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Doesn't that contradict what's said in the lesson below?

Using Le Passé Composé or Le Présent in negative sentences with ''depuis''

Like12 years ago

JamieB2Kwiziq community member

I think you're right Alan. I hadn't seen that lesson. My sentence does use "ne...pas", which according to the lesson you cited requires Passé Composé.

Like02 years ago

Jamie asked:View original

Is this usage the same in negative sentences?

I want to say "I have not written since December. Is this the correct way to say that: Je n’écris pas depuis décembre.

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