12.8 Informal Negation Language Lesson

12.8 Informal Negation
Language & Culture Lessons
In the previous lesson you learned all about making negative statements such as: "I don't want a drink" or "I don't like
snails". Remember that we use negative adverbs like « ne…pas » to form negative sentences?
Today you're going to learn how to form negative sentences, using the informal version of those negative adverbs. It's
pretty easy really, we just drop the « ne » from « ne…pas », or whatever other adverb we're using.
Learning to use negative adverbs in a more casual way will help you feel and sound more natural when chatting with
French friends.
Language Lesson
Omit the « ne »
In informal situations, it's fine to drop the « ne » from « ne…pas ». You'll sound more like the locals, and it'll feel
more natural. However it's important to understand that doing this is not grammatically correct, therefore when
you're in formal situations such as a job interview, or when writing, you're better off using « ne…pas ».
In the following examples you can see the first sentence uses « ne…pas ». The next shows how to say the same thing,
in a less formal way without using « ne ».
Ne fais pas ce que ton frère dit !
Don’t do what you brother says!
Fais pas ce que ton frère dit !
Don’t do what you brother says!
Ne pars pas en vacances car il y a des grèves.
Don’t go on holiday because there are some strikes.
Pars pas en vacances car il y a des grèves.
Don’t go on holiday because there are some strikes.
Ne commence pas à discuter !
Don’t start to argue!
Commence pas à discuter !
Don’t start to argue!
Other Negative Adverbs
Don't forget that « ne…pas » isn't the only negative adverb you can use. The list below is available to you as well:
ne ... pas du tout
not at all
ne ... pas encore
not yet
ne ... aucunement
not at all, in no way
ne ... jamais
never
ne ... point
not
ne ... guère
hardly, barely
ne ... pas toujours
not always
ne ... nullement
not at all
ne ... nulle part
nowhere
ne ... plus
no more, not anymore
To use the informal version of these negative adverbs, just drop the « ne » again – très facile ! The following examples
show several negative adverbs being used. The first line is formal, the next is informal as it drops the « ne » :
Ne fais jamais de jugement sur des personnes que tu ne Never make a judgment on people you do not know.
connais pas.
Fais jamais de jugement sur des personnes que tu
connais pas.
Never make a judgment on people you do not know.
Il n’y a plus de lait dans le frigo.
There is no more milk in the fridge.
Il y a plus de lait dans le frigo.
There is no more milk in the fridge.
Ne fais rien que tu puisses regretter !
Don’t do anything that you could regret!
Fais rien que tu puisses regretter !
Don’t do anything that you could regret!
Il ne dit guère de mensonges.
He hardly ever tells lies
Il dit guère de mensonges.
He hardly ever tells lies
Il n’y a que deux enfants ici.
There are only two children here.
Il y a que deux enfants ici.
There are only two children here.
Necessary?
You might be wondering "is it really necessary that I learn this?" seeing as it's just another version of something you
already know. The answer to that is - oui ! Why? Because even if you don't want to speak informally, other people
will speak in an informal manner to you and you need to be able to understand them!
Culture
Dos and Don'ts
Having a meal in France is considered a sacred moment that you should share with friends and family, so here are
a few things to remember:
If you are invited to eat at someone’s home you shouldn’t speak with your mouth full.
Before eating you should wish everyone a « Bon Appetit », which means “enjoy your meal”.
You should wait until the hostess is seated at the table before you start eating.
At a restaurant voices should be kept quiet, so people won’t have to speak louder than they should at the next
table.
Here are some general do's and don'ts
When you are greeting someone for the first time, hugs are not appropriate in France, a handshake will be more
appropriate or a handshake and a kiss, generally two, on either cheek.
The formal vous form should always be used when you have just been introduced to someone, except when the
other person specifically requests it otherwise.
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