Negation with Infinitives

When we conjugate a verb, the negation words ne and pas act like bookends. They frame the verb to show exactly what isn't happening. But with infinitives (the "to" form of a verb, like manger or dormir), the rules change. The infinitive is a bit more sensitive than a conjugated verb. It doesn't like being split up. So, the negation words ne and pas (or plus, jamais, rien) move to the front of the line. They stand together before the verb. This creates a unified block of "not-ness" that applies to the entire action. It’s like they’re acting as bodyguards for the verb, protecting its integrity. This change in position signals to the reader that the instruction is general or impersonal. It’s not about *you* specifically not doing something; it’s about the action itself being prohibited or avoided. This shift is one of those small things that makes French sound elegant and precise. It allows for a level of abstraction that makes signs and instructions feel professional rather than bossy.

1. 1Creating this structure is actually easier than standard negation because you don't have to worry about verb endings. Here is the simple 3-step process:
2. 2Start with the word ne. This is your base negation marker.
3. 3Add your second negation word directly after it. This could be pas (not), plus (no more), jamais (never), or rien (nothing).
4. 4Place the infinitive verb immediately after the pair. If you have a reflexive pronoun like se, it goes between the negation pair and the verb.
5. 5So, instead of the sandwich ne [verb] pas, you get the duo ne pas [verb]. For example, ne pas fumer (no smoking) or ne jamais abandonner (never give up). If you’re dealing with a reflexive verb like se lever, it becomes ne pas se lever. It’s consistent and predictable. You don't have to check if the subject is je, tu, or nous. The form stays exactly the same no matter who you’re talking to. It’s the ultimate lazy-grammar hack for when you want to sound smart without doing the conjugating legwork.

This pattern pops up in specific, high-stakes scenarios. First, look for it on signs. If a sign says Ne pas marcher sur l'herbe (Do not walk on the grass), it’s addressing the whole world. It’s much more efficient than writing a different sign for tu and vous. Second, you’ll see it in recipes or manuals. When a cookbook says Ne pas trop cuire (Do not overcook), it’s a universal instruction for whoever is wearing the apron. Third, it’s used for formal advice or requests. If you’re at a hotel and see a sign saying Prière de ne pas déranger (Please do not disturb), it uses the infinitive to keep things polite and professional. Finally, use it after a preposition like de or pour. For example, Il est important de ne pas oublier (It is important not to forget). In these cases, the grammar demands an infinitive, so the negation has to follow the "together at the front" rule. It’s perfect for job interviews when you want to say something like Je préfère ne pas répondre (I prefer not to answer) without sounding too aggressive.

Knowing when to stop is just as important as knowing when to go. You should not use this pattern in casual, everyday conversation when you are addressing someone directly. If you tell your friend Ne pas manger mon yaourt, you’ll sound like a robot or an instruction manual. Your friend might wonder if you’ve been replaced by an AI. Instead, use the imperative: Ne mange pas mon yaourt! This version is personal and direct. Similarly, if you are describing a specific action you are doing right now, don't use it. You wouldn't say Je ne pas dormir; you must say Je ne dors pas. The infinitive negation is reserved for general rules, written instructions, and cases where the grammar specifically requires an infinitive. Using it in the wrong place makes your speech feel cold and detached. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes when they're being playful or lazy, but for a B1 learner, stick to the rule: keep it for signs, recipes, and formal advice.

The most frequent trap for learners is the "Split Reflexive." Many people try to put the pronoun before the negation, like se ne pas lever. That’s a one-way ticket to confusion. The pronoun *must* stay glued to the verb: ne pas se lever. Think of the pronoun and the verb as a married couple and the negation as a pair of neighbors. The neighbors don't get to stand between the couple! Another common error is using the old "sandwich" habit. You might say ne fumer pas because your brain is on autopilot. If you do this, you'll sound like Yoda from Star Wars. "Smoke not, you must." It’s understandable, but it definitely marks you as a beginner. Lastly, don't forget the ne. While spoken French often drops the ne (like fais pas ça), in the infinitive forms used for signs and writing, the ne is almost always kept. Dropping it in a formal sign like Pas fumer makes the sign look cheap or uneducated.

Let’s compare this to the two other ways to say "no" in French. First, there’s the conjugated negation: Je ne fume pas. Here, the verb is the center of attention, and the negation wraps around it. Second, there’s the imperative: Ne fume pas ! This is a command given directly to one person. It looks like the conjugated form but without the subject. Now look at the infinitive: Ne pas fumer. See the difference? The negation is no longer a wrapper; it’s a prefix. It’s the difference between saying "I am not smoking," "Don't you smoke," and "Smoking is prohibited." The infinitive version is the most distant and objective. It’s the language of laws and logic. In English, we use the "not to [verb]" structure, which is quite similar. "To not smoke" vs "Ne pas fumer." The main difference is that in French, the ne and pas *must* come before the verb, whereas in English, some people still argue about "splitting infinitives." In French, there is no argument: keep them in front!