How to use French verb "falloir"?

The French verb "falloir" is crucial for expressing necessity or obligation. It's an impersonal verb, meaning it's only used in the third person singular form "il faut" (it is necessary).

Conjugation

"Falloir" is irregular and only used in the following tenses:

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

Usage

Basic Structure

"Falloir" is typically followed by an infinitive:

• Il faut travailler. (It's necessary to work.)
• Il faudra étudier plus. (It will be necessary to study more.)

With "que" + Subjunctive

For specific subjects, use "que" followed by the subjunctive:

• Il faut que tu partes maintenant. (You need to leave now.)
• Il fallait qu'elle finisse son projet. (She needed to finish her project.)

Common Expressions

• Il me faut... (I need...) Example: Il me faut du temps. (I need time.)

• S'en falloir de peu (To be a close call) Example: Il s'en est fallu de peu qu'il rate son train. (He almost missed his train.)

• Comme il faut (Properly, as it should be) Example: Il a fait son travail comme il faut. (He did his work properly.)

Understanding "falloir" is essential for expressing necessity in French. Practice using it in various contexts to enhance your French language skills.