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First element of the standard negation in French, used with words like 'pas', 'plus', 'jamais', 'rien' to negate a verb; frequently omitted in casual spoken French
Je ne sais pas quoi faire ce soir.
I don't know what to do tonight.
Expletive 'ne' that appears after certain verbs or expressions (fear, prevention, comparison, etc.) without creating a negative meaning
J'ai peur qu'il ne pleuve demain.
I'm afraid it might rain tomorrow.
Notes
GENERAL INFO
Ne is a negative particle used in French grammar. It is not a standalone word, but forms part of a negative construction, primarily paired with "pas" to mean "not."
USAGE
Ne always precedes the conjugated verb (or auxiliary verb in compound tenses).
"Je ne comprends pas." (I do not understand.)
"Il ne veut plus." (He no longer wants.)
It can also pair with "...rien" (nothing), "...jamais" (never), or "...personne" (nobody).
TRAPS
In very informal spoken French, the particle ne is often dropped, for example, "Je sais pas" instead of "Je ne sais pas." This omission is incorrect in formal writing and speech.