Why the n' ?

Marilyn B.B1Kwiziq community member

Why the n' ?

Elle avait fait ses devoirs avant qu'il n'arrive.

This question relates to:French lesson "Conjugate être/avoir/faire/prendre/vouloir (+ avoir) in the pluperfect tense in French (Le Plus-que-Parfait)"

Asked 2 years ago

Like0Answer2

Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Hi Marilyn,

I suspect that you have yet to come across this aspect of more advanced grammar.

Have a look here -- I think it will explain all for you.

Avant que + ne explétif + Le Subjonctif = Before I do

Hope it helps.

Jim

Like02 years ago

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Jim is correct: this is a case of the ne-explétif, an advanced grammatical concept. It is not a negation because the second part of it is lacking (usually pas, jamais, plus, personne, etc.). Instead, it is used as a stylistic element, mandatory in higher level French and often dropped in colloquial French. You'll get to it in time.

Like02 years ago

Marilyn B. asked:View original

Why the n' ?

Elle avait fait ses devoirs avant qu'il n'arrive.

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