lack for nothing construction

Question

"Je ne manque de rien." is given as the correct translation for "I lack nothing". Why the "ne"? Why not just "Je manque de rien"? It has been about three years since I paid attention to French, and I am really rusty.

Accepted Answer

Hi Nancy, 
The 'ne' is known as a 'ne explétif' is is part of the negation construction  'ne...rien'.
The 'ne' is often dropped in informal spoken French, but in formal written French, it's important to include both parts of the negation.
There are several lessons on negatives including this one which should help you revise -
Ne ... rien = Nothing (French Negations)
Bonne Continuation !