French: How to use "falloir"

The French verb "falloir" is an essential impersonal verb that expresses necessity or obligation. It's often translated as "to be necessary" or "to need to" in English. Let's explore how to use this versatile verb in various contexts.

Conjugation of "falloir"

"Falloir" is an irregular verb and is only used in the third person singular form. Here's its conjugation in the most common tenses:

• Present: il faut
• Imperfect: il fallait
• Future: il faudra
• Conditional: il faudrait
• Present subjunctive: qu'il faille

Usage with infinitives

"Falloir" is commonly followed by an infinitive to express a general necessity:

• Il faut étudier pour réussir. (It's necessary to study to succeed.)
• Il faudra partir tôt demain. (We'll need to leave early tomorrow.)

With "que" + subjunctive

When specifying who needs to do something, use "que" followed by the subjunctive:

• Il faut que tu finisses ton travail. (You need to finish your work.)
• Il fallait que nous partions avant midi. (We needed to leave before noon.)

Common expressions

"Falloir" is used in several idiomatic expressions:

• Comme il faut: properly, as it should be
• Il s'en faut de peu: it's very close
• Ce qu'il faut: what's needed/necessary

Understanding how to use "falloir" will greatly enhance your ability to express necessity and obligation in French. Practice using it in various contexts to become more comfortable with this important verb.