Il faut arriver à l'heure.
English: You must arrive on time.
- Language
- French
- Level
- B1
- Unit
- Expressions de modalité et de logique
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
The 'expression de l'obligation' in French is how you say that something must be done, or that it is necessary to do something.
When to use it
Use these forms to talk about rules, laws, or things that are necessary. You can use them for general obligations (for everyone) or personal obligations (for a specific person).
Key forms
- Il faut + infinitive (ex: Il faut étudier.)
- Devoir + infinitive (ex: Je dois partir.)
- Être obligé de + infinitive (ex: Nous sommes obligés de travailler.)
Examples
Je dois finir mes devoirs.
English: I have to finish my homework.
Nous sommes obligés de porter un masque.
English: We are required to wear a mask.
Tu dois écouter le professeur.
English: You must listen to the teacher.
Tips
- Use 'il faut' for general obligations (not for a specific person).
- 'Devoir' changes with the subject: je dois, tu dois, il/elle doit, etc.
- Do not use 'avoir besoin de' for obligation; it means 'to need', not 'must'.
Exceptions and edge cases
- Sometimes, 'il faut que + subjunctive' is used for obligation, but this is more advanced.