Class Notes: French Negative Expressions

Objective

Learn additional negative expressions in French that go beyond the standard "ne... pas." Master their forms, placement in sentences, and practical usage in conversation.

Key Points

1. Building Conversational Skills

• Suggestion: Find a French-speaking practice partner, ideally a native speaker. Use free or paid websites to connect.
• Tip: Listen to related podcasts (Language Tutor French) to reinforce learning and practice on the go.

2. Negative Expressions Covered

a) Never

• French: ne ... jamais
• Example:
  • He never listens.
    Il n’écoute jamais.
    (Note: "ne" becomes "n'" before a vowel)
• Formula: Subject + ne/n' + verb + jamais

b) No One / Nobody

• French: ne ... personne
• Example:
  • He doesn’t listen to anyone (no one).
    Il n’écoute personne.
  • Sentence as subject:
    • No one stays here.
      Personne ne reste ici.
      • Structure flips: "Personne" at the start, "ne" before verb

c) Nothing

• French: ne ... rien
• Example:
  • They have nothing.
    Ils n'ont rien.
  • As subject:
    • Nothing is expensive here.
      Rien n’est cher ici.
      • Structure flips: "Rien" at the start, "ne" before verb

d) No Longer

• French: ne ... plus
• Example:
  • They no longer live in that house.
    Ils n’habitent plus dans cette maison.
• Formula: Subject + ne/n' + verb + plus

3. Placement Notes

• "ne" (or "n'") goes before the verb, and the second negative word (jamais/personne/rien/plus) goes after the verb.
• When "personne" or "rien" are at the start of a sentence, "ne" still negates the verb.

Practice Suggestions

• Incorporate these expressions into everyday sentences.
• Practice both as part of the sentence and as subjects at the beginning of the sentence.
• Think of real-life conversation scenarios and make your own sentences using these forms.

Community & Additional Resources

• Join the Language Tutor French Facebook page.
• Listen to the podcast for practice.
• Subscribe to the YouTube channel for regular lessons.
• Engage with comments for questions.

Closing Thoughts

• These negative expressions are great additions to your French conversation skills.
• Practice regularly to make them a natural part of your speech.
• Wishing you peace, blessings, faith, and success in your language journey!