non plus

The French adverbial phrase non plus is a fundamental building block of negative communication in the French language. At its core, it serves as the negative counterpart to the word aussi (also/too). While English speakers use 'neither' or 'not either' to show agreement with a negative statement, French speakers rely on non plus to maintain the logical consistency of a negative dialogue. Understanding this term is essential for reaching the A2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), as it allows for more natural and fluid interactions beyond simple 'yes' and 'no' responses. In the context of French grammar, it is an adverbial expression that reinforces the negation already established in a sentence or provides a standalone negative agreement in short-form answers.

Grammatical Function

It acts as an adverb of addition in negative contexts. It cannot be used in a positive sentence where aussi would be required.

Core Meaning

It translates directly to 'neither' or 'not either' depending on the syntactic structure of the English translation.

One of the most common uses of non plus is in the phrase 'Moi non plus', which is the direct equivalent of 'Me neither' or 'Neither do I'. This is used when someone makes a negative statement and you wish to express that the same negative condition applies to you. For example, if someone says 'Je n'aime pas le froid' (I do not like the cold), the correct response to show agreement is 'Moi non plus'. Using 'Moi aussi' in this context would be a significant grammatical error because 'aussi' can only agree with positive affirmations. This distinction is one of the first major hurdles for English learners who might be tempted to use 'also' in all forms of agreement. In French, the polarity of the statement (positive or negative) dictates the choice between aussi and non plus.

Beyond short responses, non plus is integrated into full sentences to add a second negative element to a list or a sequence of thoughts. If you are listing things you do not have or actions you are not performing, subsequent items are often introduced or concluded with non plus. For instance, 'Je n'ai pas de pain, et je n'ai pas de lait non plus' (I don't have bread, and I don't have milk either). Here, the phrase emphasizes that the lack of milk is an additional negative fact. It is important to note that even when non plus is used, the standard negation markers like ne... pas, ne... plus (no longer), or ne... jamais must still be present in the sentence to maintain grammatical correctness, unless it is a standalone response.

In more complex literary or formal contexts, non plus can be part of the structure non plus que, which translates to 'no more than' or 'neither... nor...'. This is used to draw comparisons between two things that both lack a certain quality or action. For example, 'Il n'est pas intelligent, non plus que son frère' (He is not intelligent, any more than his brother is). This usage is less common in everyday spoken French but is vital for understanding written texts. The versatility of the phrase across different levels of formality makes it an indispensable tool for any serious student of French. By mastering non plus, learners move away from repetitive sentence structures and begin to express nuanced agreement and additive negation with the same precision as a native speaker.

Register

Neutral to Formal. It is used in all levels of speech, though the 'ne' might be dropped in casual settings.

Finally, it is worth exploring the psychological impact of using non plus. In French culture, agreeing with a negative is a way of showing empathy or shared experience. If a friend expresses a dislike for a certain politician or a type of food, responding with Moi non plus creates a bond of shared perspective. It is more than just a grammatical rule; it is a social tool for alignment. When you use it correctly, you signal to the listener that you are following the logic of the conversation and that you are attuned to the negative polarity of their statement. This helps avoid the jarring effect of using positive agreement markers in negative contexts, which can make a speaker sound detached or confused. In summary, non plus is the key to saying 'too' when the context is 'not'.

The syntactic placement of non plus follows specific rules that differ slightly from the placement of 'neither' or 'either' in English. In French, non plus typically appears at the end of the clause it modifies, or immediately after the stressed pronoun in short responses. Understanding these patterns is crucial for constructing sentences that sound natural to native ears. The most basic structure involves a full sentence with a negative verb followed by the adverbial phrase. For example: Je ne mange pas de viande, et je ne mange pas de poisson non plus. (I don't eat meat, and I don't eat fish either). Notice how non plus comes at the very end, reinforcing the negation that was already established by ne... pas.

Standard Sentence Pattern

[Subject] + [ne] + [verb] + [pas/jamais/rien] + [Object] + non plus.

Short Response Pattern

[Stressed Pronoun] + non plus (e.g., Moi non plus, Toi non plus, Lui non plus).

When using non plus with stressed pronouns (disjunctive pronouns), it functions as a standalone phrase of agreement. This is perhaps the most frequent use in daily conversation. If someone says, 'Je n'ai pas faim' (I'm not hungry), you can simply say 'Moi non plus'. If you want to say 'He doesn't either', you say 'Lui non plus'. This structure is very efficient. However, learners must be careful to use the correct stressed pronoun: moi, toi, lui, elle, nous, vous, eux, elles. You cannot say 'Je non plus' or 'Il non plus', as these subject pronouns require a full verb and proper negation to work with the phrase.

Another important aspect of using non plus is its interaction with different types of negation. It doesn't only work with pas. It works perfectly with jamais (never), rien (nothing), and personne (nobody). For example, 'Je ne vois rien, et je n'entends rien non plus' (I see nothing, and I hear nothing either). Or, 'Il ne vient jamais, et elle non plus' (He never comes, and neither does she). This flexibility allows for a wide range of negative expressions. In cases where you are negating two subjects for the same action, you can place non plus after the second subject: 'Marie ne viendra pas, et Pierre non plus'. This avoids repeating the entire verb phrase, making the speech more concise and sophisticated.

There is also the 'Non plus... que...' structure, which is used for comparative negation. This is slightly more advanced but very useful. It is used to state that one thing is not something, just as another thing is not. 'Ce film n'est pas intéressant, non plus que le livre dont il est tiré' (This movie is not interesting, any more than the book it is based on). This structure effectively links two negative qualities in a comparative way. While you might not use this in a grocery store, you will certainly encounter it in French literature, journalism, and academic writing. It provides a way to unify negative critiques or observations across multiple subjects or objects.

Finally, consider the placement when multiple verbs are involved. If you have a modal verb like vouloir (to want) or pouvoir (to be able to), non plus still generally gravitates toward the end of the phrase or the end of the specific thought. 'Je ne peux pas venir, et je ne veux pas non plus' (I can't come, and I don't want to either). The phrase acts as a final modifier that wraps up the negative sentiment. Mastery of these patterns ensures that your French sounds structured and logical, adhering to the rhythmic expectations of the language. It is a small phrase, but its correct placement is a hallmark of a student who has transitioned from translating word-for-word to thinking in the target language.

The phrase non plus is ubiquitous in the French-speaking world, appearing in every conceivable social context from the most casual family dinners to the most formal diplomatic debates. Because agreement is a constant feature of human conversation, the need to agree with a negative statement arises frequently. In a typical day in France, you might hear this phrase dozens of times. In a bakery, a customer might say, 'Vous n'avez plus de croissants ?' and another customer waiting in line might chime in with 'Ah, je n'en vois pas non plus' (Ah, I don't see any either). This demonstrates how the word is used to share observations and frustrations in public spaces.

In Pop Culture

The phrase is famously immortalized in the Serge Gainsbourg song 'Je t'aime... moi non plus'. The title is a play on words; while 'Je t'aime' means 'I love you', the response 'moi non plus' (me neither) is a paradoxical and cynical take on love and desire.

In Professional Settings

During meetings, it is used to align with colleagues' concerns. 'Le budget n'est pas suffisant.' 'La main-d'œuvre non plus.'

On television and in movies, non plus is a staple of dialogue. Scriptwriters use it to create natural-sounding banter. In a crime drama, a detective might say, 'L'arme n'est pas ici,' and his partner might respond, 'Les empreintes non plus' (The fingerprints aren't either). It helps maintain the pace of the scene by avoiding redundant verb phrases. In talk shows or political debates, you'll hear it used defensively or as a way to shut down an argument. A politician might say, 'Je n'ai pas dit cela, et mon parti non plus' (I didn't say that, and my party didn't either), using the phrase to provide a comprehensive denial.

Social media and texting are also prime locations for non plus. In the digital age, brevity is key. When a friend posts about a bad experience at a concert or a glitchy app, the comments section is often filled with 'Moi non plus' or 'Pareil ici, ça ne marche pas non plus'. In these contexts, the 'ne' is almost universally omitted, resulting in 'Moi non plus' or 'Ça marche pas non plus'. This informal usage is what you will encounter most if you follow French influencers or participate in online forums like Reddit's r/france. It's a quick way to show solidarity in a negative experience.

In educational settings, teachers use non plus to clarify what is not expected. 'L'exercice n'est pas obligatoire, et le test de demain non plus' (The exercise isn't mandatory, and tomorrow's test isn't either). This clear communication of negative expectations is vital for classroom management. Furthermore, in literature, particularly in existentialist works by authors like Camus or Sartre, non plus is used to emphasize the absence or lack of meaning in the world. The phrase carries a weight of finality that fits well with philosophical inquiry into what is not there. Whether it's the lack of coffee in a kitchen or the lack of purpose in the universe, non plus is the phrase the French use to double down on that absence.

To truly hear non plus, one must also be aware of its rhythm. It often comes as a punchy addition at the end of a sentence, with a slight pause before it. This rhythmic placement gives it a sense of 'afterthought agreement'. If you listen to French podcasts or radio news, you will notice journalists using it to add a second negative fact to a report: 'Le Premier ministre n'a pas réagi, et l'opposition non plus'. This structure is so common that it becomes almost invisible to native speakers, but for a learner, it is a clear marker of authentic French sentence construction. By paying attention to these contexts, you can begin to model your own usage after the real-world patterns of native speakers.

One of the most persistent challenges for English speakers learning French is overcoming the 'also' vs. 'neither' divide. In English, we sometimes use 'also' in negative contexts in a way that doesn't translate directly to French, or we use 'either' and 'neither' interchangeably with different word orders. This leads to several common pitfalls when using non plus. The most frequent error is using aussi in a negative sentence. For example, saying 'Je n'aime pas ça aussi' is grammatically incorrect in French. To say 'I don't like that also' (meaning 'I don't like that either'), you must use non plus: 'Je n'aime pas ça non plus'.

The 'Aussi' Trap

Using 'aussi' to agree with a negative. Correct: Moi non plus. Incorrect: Moi aussi (when agreeing with 'I don't like...').

Pronoun Confusion

Using subject pronouns instead of stressed pronouns. Correct: Lui non plus. Incorrect: Il non plus.

Another common mistake involves the pronunciation of the word plus. In many French contexts, the final 's' in plus is pronounced (like in 'plus de' meaning 'more of'). However, in the fixed phrase non plus, the 's' is always silent. Pronouncing the 's' makes the phrase sound unnatural and can confuse the listener, as they might be expecting a comparison involving 'more' rather than a negative agreement. This is a subtle point but one that distinguishes intermediate learners from advanced speakers. You should pronounce it as /nɔ̃ ply/.

Learners also struggle with the placement of non plus in sentences with multiple verbs or complex structures. A common error is placing it before the negative marker pas. For example, 'Je ne non plus mange pas' is entirely wrong. The phrase non plus must follow the negation. It is an additive element that comes after the primary negative statement has been made. Think of it as an 'add-on' to the already negated verb. If you are ever in doubt, place it at the very end of your thought or sentence. This is the safest and most common position.

Furthermore, some students forget that non plus requires a negative context even if the word pas isn't explicitly there. If you use a word like personne (nobody) or rien (nothing), you still use non plus for agreement. 'Personne n'est venu.' 'Mon frère non plus.' (Nobody came. My brother didn't either). Some learners might mistakenly try to use aussi here because there is no 'pas', but the sentence is inherently negative, so non plus is mandatory. Understanding the 'negative flavor' of the sentence is key.

Lastly, the use of non plus in response to a question can be tricky. If someone asks a positive question like 'Tu veux du café ?' and you want to say 'No, and I don't want tea either', you cannot just say 'Non plus'. You must first negate the first part: 'Non, et je ne veux pas de thé non plus'. You cannot use non plus to start a negative chain if the initial prompt was positive. It is strictly for continuing or agreeing with a negative premise. By avoiding these common errors—the 'aussi' trap, pronunciation slips, and syntactic misplacements—you will sound much more like a native French speaker.

While non plus is the standard way to express 'neither' or 'not either' in French, there are several other words and structures that share similar meanings or can be used as alternatives depending on the register and the specific nuance you want to convey. Understanding these alternatives helps in developing a more varied and sophisticated vocabulary. The most direct relative is ni... ni... (neither... nor...), which is used within a single sentence to negate two or more elements. While non plus adds a negative to a previous statement, ni... ni... structures the negation from the start.

Ni... ni...

Used for listing: 'Je n'aime ni le café ni le thé.' (I like neither coffee nor tea). This is more structured than using 'non plus' at the end of two clauses.

Pas davantage

A more formal alternative meaning 'no more' or 'not any more'. Used in literary or highly formal contexts to show that a second negative condition is just as true as the first.

Another alternative, though slightly different in meaning, is pas non plus. While this might seem redundant, it is often used to mean 'not exactly' or 'not really that either' in a nuanced way. For example, 'Ce n'est pas cher, mais ce n'est pas gratuit non plus' (It's not expensive, but it's not free either). Here, non plus serves to define the boundaries of a situation. It's not just about agreement; it's about qualifying a statement. This is a very common rhetorical device in French to avoid extremes and provide a more balanced view.

In very formal or academic French, you might encounter nullement or aucunement. These are strong negations meaning 'not at all'. While they don't mean 'neither', they are often used in similar positions to emphasize a negative point. For instance, 'Il ne s'en soucie pas, et moi aucunement' (He doesn't care about it, and I [care] not at all). This is much stronger than 'Moi non plus' and marks a higher level of language proficiency. Similarly, pas plus que can be used as a synonym for non plus que in comparative negations, though non plus que remains the more elegant choice.

Comparative analysis of aussi and non plus is also essential. They are two sides of the same coin. In English, 'too' and 'either' are often separated by the entire sentence, but in French, aussi and non plus often occupy the same syntactic slot. For example, 'Je viens aussi' (I'm coming too) vs 'Je ne viens pas non plus' (I'm not coming either). By learning them as a pair—aussi for (+) and non plus for (-)—you build a mental framework that handles agreement automatically. This binary approach is much more effective than trying to translate 'neither' or 'either' on a case-by-case basis.

Finally, consider the phrase pas davantage. It is almost exclusively used in formal writing. If you were writing a legal brief or a formal essay, you might write: 'Le témoin n'a pas vu l'accusé, pas davantage qu'il n'a entendu de bruit' (The witness did not see the accused, any more than he heard any noise). This serves the same logical purpose as non plus but with a level of precision and gravity that non plus lacks. For the vast majority of learners, however, non plus remains the most versatile and important term to master. It is the workhorse of negative agreement, and its alternatives are merely specialized tools for specific registers.