Question 1

Why is there a ne before supposais even though the English translation isn't negative?

Accepted Answer

This is called the ne explétif. It doesn't negate the verb; instead, it highlights the difference or inequality in the comparison. You'll often see it after affirmative comparative phrases like plus... que or moins... que. Here, it emphasizes that the actual feasibility of the idea contrasts with what you previously supposed.

Question 2

Is it grammatically wrong to say que je supposais without the ne?

Accepted Answer

Not at all! Dropping the ne explétif is perfectly correct and very common in everyday spoken French. Including it makes the sentence sound more formal or literary.

Question 3

Since idée is a feminine noun, why does the sentence use the masculine possessive ton instead of ta?

Accepted Answer

You must use the masculine forms mon, ton, and son before any feminine singular noun that begins with a vowel or a mute h. Saying ta idée would create a harsh break between the two vowel sounds, so French uses ton idée to make it flow smoothly.

Question 4

Why is the imperfect tense (supposais) used here instead of the passé composé (ai supposé)?

Accepted Answer

Verbs that describe mental states, beliefs, or assumptions over an unspecified period in the past—like supposer (to suppose), penser (to think), or croire (to believe)—typically use the imperfect. It describes the ongoing state of your thoughts leading up to this realization, rather than a single, sudden action.

Ton idée est plus réalisable que je ne supposais.

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