Use of prepositions in negation of an infinitive

L. B.C1Kwiziq community member

Use of prepositions in negation of an infinitive

Why is it sometimes « ne pas de » plus infinitive, « ne pas a » plus infinitive, or in other examples simply « ne pas »  plus infinitive?  Can someone explain the reason for the use of de or a, or their omission?  Thank you. 

Asked 2 years ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

The preposition (à, de or none) is dictated by the verb.

Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

A couple of issues 

1. I think you are referring to seeing no preposition, de or à preceding ne pas (several examples in the lesson) - in the form of (conjugated verb) {no preposition/de/à} [ne pas infinitive], rather than {ne pas} (followed by de or à) [infinitive], as the point of your question

2. It is the conjugated verb that precedes [ne pas infinitive] that determines whether no preposition/de/à is needed - as per the lists of verbs that require à or de before an infinitive. https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/verbs-with-de/ https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/verbs-with-a/

Erica S.B2Kwiziq community member

Thank you for the explanation and the links. Are there any lessons that teach when de or à are needed or is this something that just needs to be memorized?

Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Erica, there is no easy way to ‘predict’ the verb-preposition combinations. There are many good reference sites with lists of verbs requiring à or de,  such as those I linked above, but you will tend to acquire the commonly used verbs naturally as you read and practise French. 

Mike H.B2Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Maartin's link on this question is very helpful along with other inks in that lesson.  https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/verbs-with-de/ https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/verbs-with-a/

I would like to add it to my notebook, but on my subscription page, I can't find it.  Is there a way to do this?

Mike H.B2Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Maartin's link on this question is very helpful along with other inks in that lesson.  https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/verbs-with-de/ https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/verbs-with-a/

I would like to add it to my notebook, but on my subscription page, I can't find it.  Is there a way to do this?

Mike H.B2Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Maartin's link on this question is very helpful along with other inks in that lesson.  https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/verbs-with-de/ https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/verbs-with-a/

I would like to add it to my notebook, but on my subscription page, I can't find it.  Is there a way to do this?

L. B. asked:

Use of prepositions in negation of an infinitive

Why is it sometimes « ne pas de » plus infinitive, « ne pas a » plus infinitive, or in other examples simply « ne pas »  plus infinitive?  Can someone explain the reason for the use of de or a, or their omission?  Thank you. 

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