How it works
In full written negation, put ne before the verb and pas after it. Ne becomes n’ before a vowel or mute h. Ordinary speech often drops ne, but these exercises ask for the full written form. Unlike English, French does not add a form of “do” to make a present-tense verb negative.
subject + ne/n’ + verb + pas
| Context or function | French form |
|---|---|
| Affirmative | Elle parle. |
| Full negation | Elle ne parle pas. |
| Elision before a vowel | Il n’arrive pas. |
See it in a sentence
Je ne travaille pas.
I am not working.
Ne and pas surround the finite verb travaille.
Elle n’habite pas ici.
She does not live here.
Ne elides before the mute h of habite; pas follows the verb.
Put it into practice
Try it yourself
5 questions, with feedback after every answer. No account needed.
