Negative command

RobC1Kwiziq community member

Negative command

Why is it "N'ayons" yet "ne sois pas" - i.e. one has the "pas" but the other doesn't?

Asked 4 years ago
TomC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi Rob,

Having looked at the lesson I cannot see the case you are refering to.

Just to confirm : Normally, ALL negative commands enclose the positive command form with "ne...pas"

e.g. "N'ayons pas peur de mourir"  - "Let's  not be afraid to die"

There are exceptions in some proverbes and fixed expressions, usually hangovers from medieval French where 'ne' was frequently used on its own.

e.g." N'ayez crainte!" - "Never fear!"

but normal speech requires the "ne...pas" construction.

Hope this helps.

Tom

Negative command

Why is it "N'ayons" yet "ne sois pas" - i.e. one has the "pas" but the other doesn't?

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