Negative expressions (la forme négative) Flashcards

1
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
not
A

ne…pas

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2
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
not (literary)
A

ne…point

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3
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
not at all
A

ne…pas du tout

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4
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
not either, neither
A

ne…pas non plus

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5
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
not much, nothing much
A

ne…pas grand-chose

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6
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
not yet
A

ne…pas encore

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7
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
no longer, not any more
A

ne…plus

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8
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
nothing, not anything
A

ne…rien

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9
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
never
A

ne…jamais

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10
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
neither...nor
A

ne…ni…ni

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11
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
nowhere, not anywhere
A

ne…nulle part

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12
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
not, not any
A

ne. ..nul(le)

ne. ..aucun(e)

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13
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
no, not one
A

ne…pas un(e)

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14
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
hardly, not much
A

ne…guére

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15
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
only
A

ne…que

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16
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
How is a negative expression formed in French?
A

In French, negative expressons have two elements, ‘‘ne (n’ before a vowel or mute h)’’ and another word or words. The first part ‘‘ne’’ of all negative expressions is placed before the verb in a simple tense as well as in the negative imperative, and before the auxiliary in a compund tense.
f.e. Il ne fume plus.

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17
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Don't talk nonsense!
A

Ne dis pas de bêtises!

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18
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I never found my keys.
A

Je n’ai jamais trouvé mes clés.

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19
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Which preposition replaces the indifinite and partitive articles ''un, une, du, de la, de 'l '' and ''des'' after all negative expressions? (except ''être'')
A

de (d’ before vowel or mute h)

f.e. Elle mange de la glace. - Elle ne mange pas de glace.

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20
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
He never drinks water.
A

Il ne boit jamais d’eau.

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21
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
He often drinks water
A

Il boit souvent de l’eau.

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22
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
What is the position of ''ne'' in the presence of object pronouns?
A

'’ne’’ precedes these pronouns, except when an infinitive follows the conjugated verb.
f.e. Je ne la comprends plus.
BUT
Je ne peux pas lui dire la vérité.

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23
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
He didn't see them yet.
A

Il ne les a pas encore vus.

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24
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I never had a good time.
A

Je ne me suis jamais amusé.

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25
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Don't listen to him!
A

Ne l’écoute pas!

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26
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
He no longer wants to see me.
A

Il ne veut plus me voir.

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27
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
When ''ne'' may be omitted?
A

Whereas ‘‘ne’’ must always be used in the written language, it is often omitted in informal spoken French.

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28
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
That isn't easy. (spoken French)
A

C’est pas évident.

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29
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Don't worry! (spoken French)
A

T’en fais pas.

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30
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I didn't say anything. (spoken French)
A

J’ai rien dit.

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31
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
There is no point doing it. (spoken French)
A

C’est pas la peine.

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32
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I never saw anything like that. (spoken French)
A

J’ai jamais vu une chose pareille.

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33
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
He only works three days per week. (spoken French)
A

Il travaille que trois jours par semaine.

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34
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Where is ''ne...pas'' placed in the negative expressions?
A
  1. In simple tenses and in the negative imperative, ‘‘ne’’ is placed before the verb, and ‘‘pas’’ after it. In compound tenses, ‘‘ne…pas’’ surrounds the auxiliary.
    f.e. Je n’aime pas les chats.
    Je n’ai pas trouvé mon portefeuille.
  2. When used to negate an infinitive ‘‘ne pas’’ is placed (undivided) before the (present and past) infinitive.
    f.e. Ne pas toucher aux légumes.
    If the infinitive is ‘‘être’’ or ‘‘avoir’’, ne…pas can be placed before or (in literary language) around the infinitive.
    f.e. Encore pardon de ne pas avoir écrit plus tôt. or
    Encore pardon de n’avoir pas écrit plus tôt.
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35
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
When ''pas'' can be omitted?
A

'’Pas’’ can be omitted after the following four verbs if they are followed by an infinitive:
savoir, oser, pouvoir, cesser (de)
f.e. Je ne saurais vous dire.

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36
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
When ''ne'' can be omitted?
A

'’Ne’’ is omitted when no verb is present.

f.e. Qui se porte volontaire? - Pas mois!

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37
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
What is the difference between ''pas toujours'' and ''ne...toujours pas''?
A

pas toujours = not always

ne. ..toujours pas = still not
f. e. Je n’ai toujours pas reçu la chèque. (I still haven’t received the check.

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38
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Don't hesitate to call me!
A

N’hésitez pas à me contacter.

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39
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
They didn't leave.
A

Ils ne sont pas partis.

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40
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
He promised me not to drive too fast.
A

Il m’a promis de ne pas conduire trop vite.

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41
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I hope that I am not late.
A

J’espère ne pas être en retard.

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42
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I am sorry not to be able to help you.
A

Je regrette de ne pas pouvoir vous aider.

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43
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I don't know how to thank you.
A

Je ne sais comment vous remercier.

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44
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
She didn't dare to do it.
A

Elle n’osait le faire.

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45
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
One cannot have everything.
A

On ne peut tout avoir.

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46
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
It doesn't stop raining.
A

Il ne cesse de pleuvoir.

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47
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Do you like shrimp? - No, not that much.
A

Tu aimes les crevettes? - Non, pas tellement.

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48
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Are you ill? - No, not ill, just a little tired.
A

Tu es malade? - Non, pas malade, juste un peu fatigué.

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49
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
He is not like the other teachers.
A

Il est un professeur pas comme les autres.

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50
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
He leaves Monday, not Tuesday.
A

Il part lundi, pas mardi.

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51
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Until the 16th century, the year began on April 1st, and not on January 1st.
A

Jusqu’au seizième siècle, l’année commençait le premier avril, et pas le premier janvier.

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52
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
not today
A

pas aujourd’hui

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53
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
not right away
A

pas tout de suite

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54
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
not really
A

pas vraiment

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55
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
not too much
A

pas trop

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56
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
not now
A

pas maintenant

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57
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
not always
A

pas toujours

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58
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Do you mind if I smoke?
A

Ça ne vous dérange pas si je fume?

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59
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Would you happen to have a pen to lend to me?
A

Tu n’aurais pas un stylo à me prêter?

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60
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
How is your dessert? - Quite good.
A

Comment est ton dessert? - Pas mauvais.

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61
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
It's cold.
A

Il ne fait pas chaud.

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62
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
You are very quiet.
A

Vous n’êtes pas bien causant.

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63
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
That's cheap.
A

Ce n’est pas cher.

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64
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
It's quite pretty.
A

Ce n’est pas trop laid.

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65
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
How are you? - Fine!
A

Comment ça va? - Pas mal.

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66
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
No news is good news.
A

Pas de nouvelles, bonnes nouvelles.

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67
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
A hungry man will not listen to reason.
A

Ventre affamé n’a pas d’oreilles.

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68
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Don't count your chickens before they are hatched.
A

Il ne faut pas vendre la peau de l’ours avant de L’avoir tué.

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69
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Never mind!
A

Ça n’a pas d’importance.

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70
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
That's none of your business!
A

Ça ne te (vous) regarde pas.

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71
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
No problem!
A

Pas de problème!

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72
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
No luck!
A

Pas de chance!

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73
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Out of question. No way! Definitely not!
A

Pas question!

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74
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Right? Isn't it so?
A

Pas vrai?

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75
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Surely (certainly) not! Not a chance!
A

Sûrement (certainement) pas!

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76
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Absolutely (probably) not!
A

Absolument (probablement) pas!

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77
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Why not?
A

Pourquoi pas?

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78
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
not only...but also
A

pas seulement…mais aussi

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79
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
That's ok! No harm done.
A

Il n’y a pas de mal.

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80
Q

Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
not even
He didn’t even write to me.

A

même pas

Il ne m’a même pas écrit.

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81
Q

Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
not until
not until Christmas.

A

pas avant

pas avant Noël.

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82
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I don't think so.
A

Je ne pense (crois) pas.

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83
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
not that I know
A

pas que je sache

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84
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
not always
A

pas toujours

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85
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
still not
A

toujours pas

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86
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Don't worry! No problem!
A

Il n’y a pas de souci.

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87
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
We are not tired at all.
A

Nous ne sommes pas du tout fatigués.

‘‘du tout’’ reinforces ‘‘pas’’

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88
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Are you thirsty? - Not at all!
A

avez vous soif? - Pas du tout!

‘‘pas du tout’’ can be used alone

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89
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Do you know? - I don't know her either.
A

Tu ne la connais pas? - Je ne la connais pas non plus.

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90
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I didn't see the movie. - I didn't see it either.
A

Je n’ai pas vu ce film. - Je ne l’ai pas vu non plus.

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91
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I am not hungry. - Neither am I. Me neither.
A

Je n’ai pas faim. - Moi non plus.

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92
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
You (he, she, we, you, they) neither.
A

Toi (lui, elle, nous, vous, eux) non plus.

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93
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Where is the expression ''ne...pas non plus'' placed in the sentence?
A
  1. In the simple tenses ‘‘ne’’ is placed before the verb, ‘‘pas non plus’’ is placed after the verb.
  2. If the verb is in a compound tense, ‘‘pas’’ precedes and ‘‘non plus’’ follows the past participle.
  3. In the absence of a verb, ‘‘ne…pas’’ is omitted.
    f. e. Je n’ai pas faim. - Moi non plus.
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94
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Where is the expression ''ne...pas grand-chose'' (not much, nothing much) placed in the sentence?
A
  1. In simple tenses, the verb is between ‘‘ne’’ and ‘‘pas grand chose’’.
    f. e. Il ne dit pas grand-chose.
  2. In compound tenses, ‘‘grand-chose’’ follows the past participle.
    f. e. Nous n’avons pas compris grand-chose.
  3. When used to negate an infinitive, ‘‘grand-chose’’ is placed after the infinitive.
    f. e. Nous avons décidé de ne pas faire grand-chose.
  4. '’Pas grand-chose’’ can be used alone.
    f. e. Qu’est-ce que tu as fait hier? - Pas grand-chose!
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95
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I don't know much about medicine.
A

Je ne connais pas grand-chose à la médecine.

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96
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Where is the expression ''ne...pas encore'' (not yet) placed in the sentence?
A
  1. In simple tenses ‘‘ne…pas encore’’ surronds the verb.
    f.e. Je ne parle pas encore couramment le français.
  2. In compound tenses, ‘‘pas encore’’ precedes the past participle.
    f.e. Es-tu déjà allé à Pau? - Je ne suis pas encore ellé à Pau.
  3. When used to negate an infinitive, ‘‘ne pas encore’’ precedes (undivided) the infinitive.
    f.e. Je regrette de ne pas encore avoir répondu.
  4. '’Pas encore’’ can be used alone.
    Est-ce que le courrier est déjà arrivé? - Pas encore!
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97
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Where is the expression ''ne...plus'' (no longer, not any more) placed in the sentence?
A
  1. In simple tenses and in the imperative, ‘‘ne…plus’’ surrounds the verb, in compound tenses the helping verb.
    f. e. Pleut-il encore? - Non, il ne pleut plus.
  2. When used to negate an infinitive, ‘‘ne plus’’ is placed (undivided) before the (present and past) infinitive.
    f. e. Il préfère ne plus y aller.
    f. e. Je regrette de ne plus y être allé.
  3. '’Plus’’ cannot stand alone (unless it is modified by ‘‘maintenant’’).
    f. e. Habitez-vous encore à Paris? - Plus maintenant.
  4. '’Ne…plus’’ can be reinforced by ‘‘du tout’’.
    f. e. Je ne la vois plus du tout.
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98
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I am full.
A

Je n’ai lus faim.

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99
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Don't think about it any more!
A

N’y pensez plus!

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100
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I regret that I didn't go there any more.
A

Je regrette de ne plus y être allé.

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101
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
There is no more gasoline in the car.
A

Il n’y a plus d’essence dans la voiture.

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102
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
We have no money left.
A

Nous n’avons plus d’argent.

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103
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I have no more ideas. I am out  of ideas.
A

Je n’ai plus d’idées.

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104
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Are there any croissants left?
A

Y a-t-il encore des croissants?

105
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
No, there aren't any croissants left.
A

Non, il n’y a plus de croissants.

106
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
No, there aren't any left. We are out of them.
A

Non, il n’y en a plus.

107
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Where is the expression ''ne...jamais'' (never) placed in the sentence?
A
  1. In simple tenses, ‘‘ne…jamais’’ surrounds the verb, in compound tenses ‘‘ne…jamais’’ surrounds the auxiliary.
    f. e. On ne sait jamais.
  2. When used to negate an infinitive, ‘‘ne jamais’’ is placed (undivided) before the (present and past) infinitive.
    f. e. Il m’a promis de ne jamais partir.
  3. '’Jamais’’ can be used.
    f. e. Allez vous quelquefois au laboratoire? - Jamais.
  4. '’Jamais’’ can be placed at the beginning of the sentence for emphasis. ‘‘Ne’’ precedes the verb. Contrary to English, no inversion of subject and verb is made.
    f. e. Jamais je n’ai vu quelque chose comme cela.
108
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
When ''jamais'' means ''ever''?
A

When it is used without ‘‘ne’’ in a sentence which contains a verb.
f.e. Êtes-vous jamais allé en Europe?

109
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
She never took a vacation.
A

Elle n’a jamais pris de vacances.

110
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
He is very sorry that he never did his homework.
A

Il est navré de ne jamais avoir fait ses devoirs.

111
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
This is the most beautiful city I have ever seen.
A

C’est la plus belle ville que j’aie jamais vue.

112
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
If ever you are in Paris, come and see us.
A

Si jamais vous êtes à Paris, venez nous voir.

113
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Have you ever seen such a thing?
A

As-tu jamais vu une chose pareille?

114
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
When it rains, it pours.
A

Un malheur n’arrive jamais seul.

115
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Better late than never.
A

Mieux vaut tard que jamais.

116
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Never again.
A

Jamais plus (or: plus jamais)

117
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
It's now or never.
A

C’est maintenant ou jamais.

118
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Not on your life!
A

Jamais de la vie!

119
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
That is unheard of.
A

C’est du jamais vu.

120
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Where is the expression ''ne...personne'' (nobody, not anybody, not anyone) placed in the sentence?
A
  1. In simple tenses, ‘‘ne…personne’’ surrounds the verb, in compound tenses, personne follows the past participle.
    f.e. Connaissez-vous quelqu’un ici? - Non, je ne connais personne.
    Je n’ai vu personne.
  2. When used to negate an infinitive, ne precedes the (present and past) infinitive, personne follows it.
    f.e. Je crains de ne connîatre personne ici.
  3. Personne can be used alone.
    f.e. Qui a téléphoné? - Personne
  4. When used with a verb that requires a preposition before its object, personne always follows this preposition.
    f.e. Je n’ai peur de personne.
  5. Before an adjective, personne is followed be ‘‘de’’.
    Je ne vois personne d’intéressant.
  6. If nobody is the subject of the sentence, personne precedes ‘‘ne’’.
    Personne n’est parfait.
121
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I regret that I didn't see anyone.
A

Je regrette de n’avoir vu personne.

122
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
He didn't speak to anyone.
A

Il n’a parlé à personne.

123
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
She doesn't go out with anybody.
A

Elle ne sort avec personne.

124
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Nobody knows (it).
A

Personne ne le sait.

125
Q

Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
One person left.
Nobody left.

A

Une personne est partie.
Personne n’est parti.
Do not confuse ‘‘ne…personne’’ with the noun ‘‘une personne’’ (a person).

126
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Can ''pas'' be used with ''ne...personne''?
A

No.
I don’t see anyone is translated be ‘‘je ne vois personne’’ NOT by ‘‘je ne vois pas personne.’’
Nobody knows the truth is translated by ‘‘personne ne sait la vérité’’, NOT by ‘‘personne ne sait pas la vérité’’.

127
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Where is the expression ''ne...rien'' (nothing, not anything) placed in the sentence?
A
  1. In simple tenses, ‘‘ne…rien’’ surrounds the verb; in compound verbs, ‘‘rien’’ precedes the past participle, i.e., ‘‘ne…rien’’ surrounds the helping verb.
    f.e. Je ne regrette rien.
  2. When an infinitive is negated, ‘‘ne rien’’ is placed (undivided) before the (present and past) infinitive.
    f.e. Il passe son temps à ne rien faire.
  3. When used with a verb requiring a preposition before its object, ‘‘rien’’ always follows this preposition.
    Je n’ai besoin de rien.
  4. '’Rien’’ can be used alone.
    f.e. Qu’est-ce que vous avez dit? - Rien!
  5. Before an adjective, ‘‘rien’’ is followed be ‘‘de’’. The adjective after ‘‘rien’’ is invariable, i.e. it does not change.
    f.e. rien de grave
  6. '’Rien’’ can be reinforced by ‘‘du tout’’
    f.e. Je ne vois rien du tout.
  7. When nothing is the subject of the sentence, ‘‘rien’’ precedes ‘‘ne’’.
    f.e. Rien n’est gratuit.
128
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I didn't see anything.
A

Je n’ai rien vu

129
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Make sure that you don't forget anything on the train.
A

Assurez-vous de ne rien oublier dans le train.

130
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I am sorry that I didn't say anything.
A

Je regrette de ne rien avoir dit.

131
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
He doesn't think about anything.
A

Il ne pense à rien.

132
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
nothing else
A

rien d’autre

133
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Can ''pas'' be used with ''ne...rien''?
A

No.
I don’t see anything is translated by ‘‘je ne vois rien’’ NOT by ‘‘je ne vois pas rien’’.
Nothing is impossible is translated by ‘‘rien n’est impossible’’, NOT by ‘‘rien n’est pas impossible’’.

134
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Can ''quelque chose'' and ''quelqu'un'' be used in a negative sentence?
A

No.
I didn’t say anything is translated by ‘‘je n’ai rien dit’’, NOT by ‘‘je n’ai pas dit quelque chose’’.
I didn’t see anyone is translated by ‘‘je n’ai vu personne’’, NOT by ‘‘je n’ai vu quelqu’un’’.

135
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
A

Qui ne risque rien n’a rien.

136
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
There is no place like home.
A

Rien ne vaut son chez-soi.

137
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
It doesn't matter.
A

Ça ne fait rien.

138
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
If you don't mind.
A

Si ça ne vous fait rien.

139
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
It's useless (to cry).
A

Ça ne sert à rien (de pleurer)

140
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Ther is nothing one can do about it. It's hopeless.
A

Il n’y a rien à faire.

141
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
That has nothing to do with it.
A

Ça n’a rien à voir.

142
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Thank you! - You are  welcome.
A

Merci! - De rien!

143
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I have no idea.
A

Je n’en sais rien.

144
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I am not at fault.
A

Je n’y suis pour rien.

145
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I am confused.
A

Je n’y comprends rien.

146
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
As if nothing were the matter. As if nothing had happened.
A

Comme si de rien n’était.

147
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
That doesn't appeal to me. I don't feel like it.
A

Ça ne me dit rien.

148
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
in no time
A

en un rien de temps

149
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
It is not so. It's not the case.
A

Il n’en est rien.

150
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
just by
A

Rien qu’a…

f.e. On la reconnaît rien qu’à son rire. - One recognize her just by her laughter.

151
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Just by seeing him, one is afraid.
A

On a peur rien qu’à le voir.

152
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
It's quite something.
A

Ce n’est pas rien.

153
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Where is the expression ''ne...ni...ni'' (neither...nor) placed in the sentence?
A
  1. '’ne…ni…ni’’ is used before nouns
    f.e. Il n’aime ni le vin ni la bière.
  2. The definite article (le, la, l’ , les) is used with ‘‘ne…ni…ni’’
    f.e. Je n’ai ni le temps, ni l’argent pour y aller.
  3. The indefinite article (un, une, des) and the partitive article (du, de la, de l’ , des) are dropped after ‘‘ne…ni…ni’’, except after ‘‘être’’.
    f.e. Il a un père et une mère.
  4. '’ne…ni…ni’’ is used before a preposition +noun.
    f.e. Je ne vais ni à Berlin ni à Londres.
  5. '’ne…ni…ni’’ is used before an infinitive
    f.e. Un analphabète ne sait ni lire ni écrire.
  6. '’ne…ni…ni’’ is used before an adjective, an adverb and a past participle.
    f.e. Il n’est ni gentil ni poli.
  7. '’ne…ni…ni’’ is used before a subordinate clause.
    f.e. Je ne permettrai ni que vous soyez en retard ni que vous partiez avant moi.
  8. If ‘‘neither…nor’’ is subject of the sentence, it becomes ‘‘ni…ni…ne’’.
    If both subjects are in the third person (sing. or plur.), the verb is generally in the third person plural form. It is in the nous-form if moi or nous are included in the subject, and in the vous-form when toi or vous are part of the subject.
    f.e. Ni le vin ni la bière ne sont bons pour vous.
    Ni lui ni moi ne pouvons le faire.
    Ne tes amis ni toi n’avez pris la bonne décision.
  9. If ‘‘neither…nor’’ negates a conjugated verb, it becomes ‘‘ne…ni ne’’ (literary language).
    f.e. Il ne boit ni ne mange.
154
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I am neither hungry nor thirsty.
A

Je n’ai ni faim ni soif.

155
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
She has neither a brother nor a sister.
A

Elle n’a ni frère ni soeur.

156
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
An orphan has neither a father nor a mother.
A

Un orphelin n’a ni père ni mère.

157
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
She buys meat and cheese.
A

Elle achète de la viande et du fromage.

158
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
She buys neither meat nor cheese.
A

Elle n’achète ni viande ni fromage.

159
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
This is neither salt nor sugar.
A

Ce n’est ni du sel, ni du sucre.

160
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
We arrived neither too early, nor too like.
A

Nous ne sommes arrivés ni trop tôt, ni trop tard.

161
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Our merchandise is neither taken back nor exchanged.
A

Nos articles ne sont ni repris ni échangés.

162
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I neither could nor wanted to answer.
A

Je ne pouvais pas ni ne voulais répondre.

163
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
neither one
A

ni l’un ni l’autre

164
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Mum's the word! Nobody will know!
A

ni vu ni connu

165
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
without rhyme or reason
A

sans rime ni raison

166
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
She doesn't eat pasta or rice.
A

Elle ne mange pas de pâtes ni de riz.

167
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I never saw Paris or Rome.
A

Je n’ai jamais vu Paris ni Rome.

168
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
There was no more water and electricity.
A

Il n’y avait plus d’eau ni d’électricité.

169
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
This is a product without preservatives and coloring agents.
A

C’est un produit sans conservateurs ni colorants.

170
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Where is the expression ''ne...aucun(e)'' (no, not...any, none) placed in the sentence?
A
  1. As an adjective, ‘‘ne…aucun(e) is followed by the noun it negates and agrees in gender and number with this noun. In simple tenses, ‘‘aucun’’ follows the verb, in compound tenses, it follows the past participle.
    f.e. Il n’a acun talent.
  2. If ‘‘ne…aucun’’ is the subject of the sentence, it has the form ‘‘aucun(e)…ne’’.
    f.e. Aucun professeur n’est parfait.
  3. After ‘‘sans’’, the adjective ‘‘aucun(e)’’ means any.
    f.e. Le Canard Enchaîné est un journal sans aucune publicité.
  4. As a pronoun, ‘‘aucun(e)’’ is not followed by a noun directly. It can stand alone, or be a subject (aucun…ne) or an object (ne…aucun) followed by ‘‘de’’ + determiner (article, possessive adjective or demonstrative adjective) + noun.
    f.e. Combien de fautes avez-vous fait? - Aucune!
    Aucun de ces pantalons ne me plaît.
  5. If ‘‘ne…aucun’’ is not followed by (de+) a noun, ‘‘en’’ is used before the verb.
    f.e. As-tu eu beaucoup de contraventions? - Je n’en ai eu aucune.
171
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I have no idea.
A

Je n’ai aucune idée.

172
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
There is no reason to be afraid.
A

Il n’y a aucune raison d’avoir peur.

173
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I have no intention of going there.
A

Je n’ai aucune intention d’y aller.

174
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
We didn't receive any gift.
A

Nous n’avons reçu aucun cadeau.

175
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
No car stopped.
A

Aucune voiture ne s’est arrêtée.

176
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
She doesn't know a single one of these passengers.
A

Elle ne connaît aucun de ces passagers.

177
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
That is of no importance at all.
A

Ça n’a aucune importance.

178
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
under no circumstances
A

en aucun cas

179
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
at no time
A

à aucun moment

180
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
(There is) no problem. Don't worry about it!
A

Il n’y a aucun souci.

181
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Where is the expression ''ne...pas un(e)'' (no, not one) placed in the sentence?
A
  1. In simple tenses, ‘‘ne…pas un(e)’’ surrounds the verb.
    f. e. Il ne sait pas un mot d’allemand.
  2. In compound tenses, ‘‘pas’’ an ‘‘un’’ are separated and surround the past participle.
    f. e. Elle n’a pas vu un bon film.
  3. If ‘‘ne…pas un’’ is subject of the sentence, it has the form ‘‘pas un(e)…ne’’.
    f. e. Pas un de mes camarades ne voulait m’accompagner.
182
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Of all his pictures, he didn't show me a single one.
A

De toutes ses photos, il ne m’a pas montré une seule.

183
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
He didn't call me one single time.
A

Il ne m’a pas téléphoné une seule fois.

184
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
What is the synonym of the expression ''ne...pas un(e)''?
A

'’ne…aucun(e)’’.

‘‘ne…pas un(e)’’ is more emphatic.

185
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Where is the expression ''ne...nul(le)'' placed in the sentence?
A
  1. '’ne…nul(le)’’ is mostly used in the literary language. It can be an adjective or a pronoun.
  2. As an adjective, ‘‘nul(le)’’ is a synonym of ‘‘aucun’’ and means ‘‘no, not any’’. It can be an object (ne…nul(le)) or a subject (nul(le)…ne) in the sentence. It agrees in gender and number with the noun that follows it.
    f. e. Je n’ai nulle envie d’y aller.
  3. As a pronoun, ‘‘nul’’ can be the subject of the sentence (nul ne) and means ‘‘no one’’.
    f. e. Nul ne le sait.
  4. It should not be confused the negative expression above with the descriptive adjective ‘‘nul(le)’’ which means very bad.
    f. e. Elle est nulle en maths.
186
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
No man is immortal.
A

Nul homme n’est immortel.

187
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
No one is a prophet in his own land. (proverb)
A

Nul n’est prophète en son pays.

188
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
This movie is very bad.
A

Ce film est nul.

189
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Where is the expression ''ne...nulle part'' (nowhere, not anywhere) placed in the sentence?
A
  1. In simple tenses, ‘‘ne…nulle part’’ surrounds the verb.
    f. e. Ce week-end, je ne vais nulle part.
  2. In compound tenses, ‘‘nulle part’’ follows the past participle.
    f. e. J’ai cherché mes clés partout, mais je ne les ai trouvées nulle part.
  3. When an infinitive is negated, ‘‘ne…nulle part’’ surrounds the infinitive.
    f. e. Par ce temps, il vaut mieux n’aller nulle part.
  4. '’Nulle part’’ can be used alone.
    f. e. Où vas-tu ce soir? - Nulle part!
190
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
There is no place like home.
A

On n’est nulle part aussi bien que chez soi.

191
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
in the middle of nowhere
A

au milieu de nulle part

192
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Where is the expression ''ne...guère'' (hardly,not much, not very) placed in the sentence?
A
  1. '’ne…guère’’ belongs to the literary language.

f. e. Depuis la mort de sa femme, on ne le voit guère.

193
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
One hour more or less hardly matters.
A

Une heure de plus ou de moins n’a guère d’importance.

194
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
This is not very possible.
A

Ce n’est guère possible.

195
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
She doesn't have much chance of finding a job.
A

Elle n’a guère de chances de trouver un emploi.

196
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I regret not to have come.
A

Je regrette de ne pas être venu.

197
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I don't regret to have come.
A

Je ne regrette pas d’être venu.

198
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I cannot understand him.
A

Je ne peux pas le comprendre.

199
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I could not understand him.
A

Je n’ai pas pu le comprendre.

200
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I cannot understand him at all.
A

Je ne peux pas du tout le comprendre.

201
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I could not understand him at all.
A

Je n’ai pas du tout le comprendre.

202
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I cannot understand him yet.
A

Je ne peux pas encore le comprendre.

203
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I cannot understand him any more.
A

Je ne peux plus le comprendre.

204
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I can neither swim nor dance.
A

Je ne sais ni nager ni danser.

205
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I cannot hear anyone.
A

Je ne peux entendre personne.

206
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I cannot give him any clue.
A

Je ne peux lui donner aucun indice.

207
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I cannot see him anywhere.
A

Je ne peux le voir nulle part.

208
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I cannot understand him either.
A

Je ne peux pas le comprendre non plus.

209
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I cannot understand much.
A

Je ne peux pas comprendre grand-chose.

210
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Do I disturb you? - Not at all!
A

Est-ce que je vous dérange? - Pas du tout!

211
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Have you already been to Paris? - Not yet!
A

Êtes-vous déjà allé à Paris? - Pas encore!

212
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Do you often watch TV? - Never!
A

Regardez-vous souvent le télé? - Jamais!

213
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Who came? - Nobody!
A

Qui est venu? - Personne!

214
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
What is wrong with you? - Nothing!
A

Qu’est-ce que tu as? -Rien!

215
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Are you going somewhere? - No, nowhere!
A

Allez-vous quelque part? - Non, nulle part.

216
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Do you know a good restaurant? - Not one!
A

Connaissez-vous un bon restaurant? - Aucun!

217
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
What did you buy? - Not much!
A

Qu’est-ce que tu as acheté? - Pas grand-chose.

218
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Which is the only negative expressions that cannot be used in multiple negations? (it is the only negative expression in a sentence)
A

'’ne…pas’’

219
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
What is the order of negative expressions in multiple negations?
A

SUBJECT
personne
plus - rien - plus - jamais
aucun

OBJECT
personne
rien - nulle part - non plus
aucun

If ‘‘rien’’ and ‘‘personne’’ are both used as objects, the direct object (rien) precedes the indirect object (à personne)
f.e. Il ne dit jamais rien à personne.

'’Ne’’ is only used once in multiple negations.

f.e. Plus personne n’utilise la passé simple dans la langue parlée.
Il ne va nulle part non plus.

220
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Nothing pleases her any more.
A

Plus rien ne lui plaît.

221
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
She no longer recognizes anyone.
A

Elle ne reconnaît plus personne.

222
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I don't have anything to lose any more.
A

Je n’ai plus rien à perdre.

223
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
We never go anywhere any more.
A

Nous n’allons plus jamais nulle part.

224
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
That will never happen again.
A

Ça n’arrivera plus jamais.

225
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
There is no longer any hope.
A

Il n’y a plus aucun espoir.

226
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
without any problems
A

sans aucun problème

227
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
He writes worse than ever.
A

Il écrit plus mal que jamais.

228
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
He knows this city better than anybody.
A

Il connaît cette ville mieux que personne.

229
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
That is more interesting than anything else.
A

C’est plus intéressant que rien d’autre.

230
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Where is the expression ''ne...que'' (only) placed in the sentence?
A
  1. '’ne…que’’ is not a negative expression but constructed like one.
  2. '’ne’’ is placed before the verb (or before the auxiliary in compound tenses), ‘‘que’’ before the word(s) which is (are) restricted.
    f. e. Il n’est que huit heures.
231
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
One only lives once.
A

On ne vit qu’une fois.

232
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
She only lent me two euros.
A

Elle ne m’a prête que deux euros.

233
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
She only thinks about her future.
A

Elle ne pense qu’à son avenir.

234
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I love only you.
A

Je n’aime que toi.

235
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
She only sings when she is happy.
A

Elle ne chante que quand elle est contente.

236
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
He only tells lies.
A

Il ne raconte que des mensonges.

237
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
The pleasure of love lasts only a moment, the chagrin of love lasts an entrire life.
A

Plaisir d’amour ne dure qu’un moment, chagrin d’amour dure toute la vie.

238
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Man is only a reed, the weakest of nature, but he is a thinking reed.
A

L’homme n’est qu’un roseau, le plus faible de la nature, mais c’est un roseau pensant.

239
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
Can the expression ''ne...pas'' be used with''ne...que'' in one sentence?
A

Since ‘‘ne…que’’ is not a negative expression, ‘‘ne…pas’’ can be used with it.

240
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
What is the synonym of ''pas seulement''?
A

Ne…pas que - not only

241
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
He doesn't only speak English.
A

Il ne parle pas que l’anglais.

242
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
A cigar store doesn't only sell tobacco.
A

Un bureau de tabac ne vend pas que du tabac.

243
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I don't only buy shoes in this store.
A

Je n’achète pas que des chaussures dans ce magasin.

244
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
When the expression ''ne...que'' cannot be used and is  replaced by ''seulement'' or, if the subject of the sentence is restricted, by the adjective ''seul(e)''?
A
  1. When there is no verb
    Combien d’argent as-tu? - Seulement trois euros.
  2. When a verb is restricted.
    Je plaisante seulement.
  3. When the sentence contains already a ‘‘que’’
    Je veux seulement que vous soyez à l’heure.
  4. When ‘‘only’’ refers to the subject of the sentence.
    Seule ma mère sait le faire.

Instead of ‘‘seul(e)’’, ‘‘il n’y a que’’ can be used at the beginning of the sentence followed by the noun+qui+subjunctive.
Il n’y a que ma mère qui sache le faire.

245
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
all you (he, she...) have (has) / had to do is ...
A

ne + avoir + que + à + infinitive

246
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
All  you have to do is try.
A

Vous n’avez qu’à essayer.

247
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
All she had to do was ask me.
A

Elle n’avait qu’à me demander.

248
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
to do nothing but..., to...all the time
A

ne faire que + infinitive

249
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
I do nothing but work. All I do is work.
A

Je ne fais que travailler.

250
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
He jokes all the time.
A

Il ne fait que plaisanter.

251
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
The situation gets worse all the time.
A

La situation ne fait qu’empirer.

252
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
to only do sth
A

ne faire que + infinitive

253
Q

ne faire que + infinitive

I am only passing through.

A

Je ne fais que passer.

254
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
The party has only just begun.
A

La fête ne fait que commencer.

255
Q

Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
The saleslady: ‘‘Can I help you?’’
The cliente: ‘‘Je ne fais que regarder.’’

A

La vendeuse: ‘‘Vous désirez?’’

The customer: ‘‘I am only looking.’’

256
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
What is ''ne'' pléonoastique?
A

This is an adverb which is introduced by certain verbs in the affirmative form (craindre que, avoir peur que, de peur que, de crainte que, à moins que, avant que). It also appears in the comparative of inequity. The ‘‘ne’’ pléonoastique does not make the sentence negative but more sophisticated. Its use is optional, but common, especially in the written language.
f.e. Il a peur que son père (ne) le voie.

257
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
They are going to go out unless it rains.
A

Il vont sortir à moins qu’il (ne) pleuve.

258
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
She is more intelligent than one thinks.
A

Elle est plus intelligente qu’on (ne) le croit.

259
Q
Negative Expressions (la forme négative)
This book is less interesting than I thought.
A

Ce livre est moins intéressant que je (ne) le pensais.