Ne explétif

Question

Emma says "je crains que ce ne soit un peu trop bruyant pour moi". I understand that this is an example of the 'ne explétif', where the 'ne' does not mean 'not', but is a more 'old-fashioned' form of expression, used with phrases like je crains que, avant que, à moins que, etc. It was explained to me that it is optional in modern French, and not commonly used.  In which case, would it be likely that Emma would use it in this context?  Or is it there just to provide an example of this concept?  (i.e. should we use it or can we safely ignore it when speaking?)

Céline Pickard · Accepted Answer

Bonjour Philip,
In causal conversations, you can definitely omit it (although here, I very much prefer using it - it sounds better to my "own ears" but it's only me ;-) ). Some French natives will use it and others won't. However, in a written context, I would advise you to use it.
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !