The following answer is given as correct: 'J'ai eu peur que nous soyons arrivés trop tard'.
My question is: given its 'negative ' sentiment shouldn't the answer include the 'ne expletif'?
NE EXPLETIF
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Tim T.Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor
NE EXPLETIF
This question relates to:French lesson "Conjugate verbs in the subjunctive past in French (Le Subjonctif Passé)"
Asked 1 year ago
Bonjour Tim,
You are correct although the "ne explétif" is considered optional these days as explained by Chris. We cannot add "ne / n'" in this test question as it would make the answer far too obvious. So, we've decided to remove it and replace it with another test question that is less ambiguous.
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !
Chris W. Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
You're right, in written French you would definitely use the ne-explétif. In spoken French it has become optional.
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