"shouldn't it be "J'ai eu peur que nous ne soyons arrivés trop tard?" The correct answer did not include ne."

Ann H.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

"shouldn't it be "J'ai eu peur que nous ne soyons arrivés trop tard?" The correct answer did not include ne."

This question relates to:French lesson "Conjugate verbs in the subjunctive past in French (Le Subjonctif Passé)"

Asked 6 years ago

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi Ann,

this is a question of register. In formal French you would use the ne, whereas in spoken French, often you don't use it. With or without ne, the meaning remains unchanged.

Like06 years ago

Ann H.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

But shouldn't it be marked correct as we don't know whether the tester wants the formal or the dialogue? This way one does not have to go through several exercises to prove one understood

Like06 years ago

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

I think in the context of the lesson, which is trying to get students to learn the ne-explétif, it is understood to use the "ne" whenever appropriate.

Like06 years ago

Luis S.C1Kwiziq community member

So the answer is wrong. The 'ne' should be there. We have to assume formal language, unless told otherwise!

Like04 years ago

Ann H. asked:

"shouldn't it be "J'ai eu peur que nous ne soyons arrivés trop tard?" The correct answer did not include ne."

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