Strange verb formation following negation

John B.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Strange verb formation following negation

THis sentence seems quite strange: "Je ne pense pas pouvoir payer mes nouvelles échéances." Two infinitif verbs following the negation 'pas', implying "ability to pay", followed by "my new new deadlines" 


At a minimum, it seems like there should be a conjunction or a que to better structure the sentence.


Anyway, can someone translate/explain this sentence?

Asked 1 year ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Je ne pense pas pouvoir payer mes nouvelles échéances. -- I don't think I can make my new payments.

It may seem strange to have two infinitives butted up next to each other, but that's perfectly OK.

penser faire qqc. -- to think to do something
pouvoir faire qqc. -- to be able to do something

So if you think to be able to do something, you also have two infinitives next to each other in English. :)

Strange verb formation following negation

THis sentence seems quite strange: "Je ne pense pas pouvoir payer mes nouvelles échéances." Two infinitif verbs following the negation 'pas', implying "ability to pay", followed by "my new new deadlines" 


At a minimum, it seems like there should be a conjunction or a que to better structure the sentence.


Anyway, can someone translate/explain this sentence?

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