Which one is the correct way to say 'do not forget': 'n'oublie pas' or 'ne pas oublier' ?

Shabbir A.A0Kwiziq community member

Which one is the correct way to say 'do not forget': 'n'oublie pas' or 'ne pas oublier' ?

Somtimes I have seen imperative sentences with ne+pas+infinitive but I dont know the rule behind..

This question relates to:French lesson "Position of French object and adverbial pronouns in negative commands in the imperative mood (L'Impératif) in French"

Asked 7 years ago

Like0Answer2

CécileKwiziq Native French TeacherCorrect answer

Hi Shabbir,

The difference is who it is adressed to -you use ne pas + infinitive when it is aimed at everyone, as a general request/caution. e.g.

Ne pas se pencher par la fenêtre (Don't lean out of the window)

Ne pas fumer (No smoking)

If you say "n'oublie pas d'emporter ton passport !" you are reminding the person you are talking to only. In contrast to the following general caution-

Ne pas oublier son passeport est important si on va l'étranger.

Hope this helps!

Like27 years ago

Shabbir A.A0Kwiziq community member

Great! its clear, thanks.

Like07 years ago

Shabbir A. asked:

Which one is the correct way to say 'do not forget': 'n'oublie pas' or 'ne pas oublier' ?

Somtimes I have seen imperative sentences with ne+pas+infinitive but I dont know the rule behind..

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« Après avoir fait = After doing (simple expression)Bonsoir Aurélie, »

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