French grammar: expression de l'obligation

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

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.