In the phrase: "Avant que je ne parte", why the inclusion of the "ne"?

Question

Accepted Answer

Hi Laoise, 
Here is the Kwiziq lesson about the 'ne explétif' used with expressions like 'avant que' -
https://french.kwiziq.com/revision/grammar/how-to-use-avant-que-ne-expletif-subjonctif-before-i-do
and another one explaining the 'ne explétif itself -
https://french.kwiziq.com/revision/grammar/how-to-understand-the-ne-expletif
Hope this helps!

Answer

It’s called “le ne pléonastique” (the pleonastic ne).  It’s basically just there to be pretty!  It has no negative meaning. Before, fear, and unless + que need it, so these need it: (before) avant que, (fear) de peur que, de crainte que, avoir peur que, avoir crainte que, craindre que, and (unless) à moins que.