B1 · Intermediate Chapter 8

Expressing What Must Be Done

2 Total Rules
20 examples
7 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of expressing necessity and personal will using the French subjunctive mood.

  • Command necessity using the essential phrase 'il faut que'.
  • Express formal requirements with 'il est nécessaire que'.
  • Communicate your desires and demands to others effectively.
Stop just stating facts; start making things happen.

What You'll Learn

Hey friend! Ready to take a huge step forward in your French journey? This chapter is where you'll really feel your language skills become super practical. Don't worry, even if subjunctive sounds a bit intimidating, I promise it's much easier than you think here! In this chapter, you'll learn exactly how to say

something must be done,
"it's important that X happens, and even I want you to do Y" in French. Specifically, you'll master: * **il faut que + subjunctive:** To express general necessity or to tell someone what *they* specifically must do. Imagine you're in France and need to remind a friend:
We *must* buy the tickets!
(il faut qu'on achète les billets!). * **il est nécessaire que + subjunctive:** For when you need to state a requirement more formally or emphatically, like in a professional setting: "It's *necessary* that we submit the report by tomorrow." (il est nécessaire qu'on rende le rapport demain.). * **il est important que + subjunctive:** To politely yet firmly emphasize priorities, such as when you want to say, "It's *important* that everyone arrives on time." (il est important que tout le monde arrive à l'heure.). * And generally, how to use the subjunctive after que to express your desires, wishes, or demands. All these structures help you convey your meaning with greater precision, and they share a common thread: the main verb after que will be in the subjunctive mood. It might seem a little unusual at first, but don't worry, with just a bit of practice, you'll get the hang of it! By the end of this chapter, you'll confidently be able to articulate what needs to happen, what's crucial to you, and what you want from others in French. You'll speak much more decisively and clearly. Ready? Let's go!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Tell a friend or colleague exactly what must be done using 'il faut que' followed by a correctly conjugated subjunctive verb.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: Draft a formal email or request expressing your wishes and requirements using verbs of 'volonté'.

Chapter Guide

Overview

Hey friend! Ready to take a huge step forward in your French journey? This chapter is where you'll really feel your language skills become super practical. For B1 French learners, mastering how to express necessity, importance, and desires is a game-changer. Don't worry, even if "subjunctive" sounds a bit intimidating, I promise it's much easier than you think here! This guide will demystify the French grammar behind conveying what *must* be done.
By the end of this chapter, you'll confidently be able to articulate what needs to happen, what's crucial to you, and what you want from others in French. You'll speak much more decisively and clearly, adding a layer of sophistication to your communication. We'll specifically look at structures like il faut que, il est nécessaire que, and il est important que, all of which use the subjunctive mood. This French subjunctive usage is incredibly common and essential for natural-sounding French.
These structures help you convey your meaning with greater precision, and they share a common thread: the main verb after "que" will be in the subjunctive mood. It might seem a little unusual at first, but don't worry, with just a bit of practice, you'll get the hang of it! This fundamental French grammar B1 topic will elevate your ability to plan, suggest, and insist in French conversations. Ready? Let's go!

How This Grammar Works

In this chapter, we're diving deep into how to express necessity, obligation, and importance in French, primarily using expressions that trigger the subjunctive mood. This is key for B1 French speakers looking to communicate more effectively.
First up, we have il faut que + subjunctive. This structure, covered in "French Necessity: Using 'il faut que' + Subjunctive" and "French Necessity: Must & Have To (il faut que)", is incredibly versatile. It can express a general necessity, like "one must" or "it is necessary," or it can tell a specific person what they must do. For example, if you need to remind a friend: Il faut qu'on achète les billets ! (We must buy the tickets!). Or, Il faut que tu fasses tes devoirs. (You must do your homework.). Notice how the verb after que (acheter, faire) is in the subjunctive.
Next, for a slightly more formal or emphatic tone, we use il est nécessaire que + subjunctive. This aligns with the "French Necessity: It's Necessary That..." rule. It's perfect for professional settings or when stating a firm requirement. For instance: Il est nécessaire qu'on rende le rapport demain. (It's necessary that we submit the report tomorrow.).
Then, to politely yet firmly emphasize priorities, we use il est important que + subjunctive. This is detailed in "French Subjunctive: It is Important that..." and "It's Important That... (Subjunctive after 'il est important que')". This structure is great for expressing what matters to you or for setting expectations. For example: Il est important que tout le monde arrive à l'heure. (It's important that everyone arrives on time.).
All these expressions fall under the umbrella of "French Subjunctive: Expressing Wants and Will (Subjonctif de volonté)". They convey a desire, an obligation, or a judgment from the speaker, hence the need for the subjunctive mood. To form the present subjunctive, generally, you take the *ils* form of the present indicative, remove the -ent ending, and add the subjunctive endings: -e, -es, -e, -ions, -iez, -ent. Of course, there are irregular verbs, but the context will often guide you!

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: *Il faut que tu vas au supermarché.*
✓ Correct: *Il faut que tu ailles au supermarché.* (You must go to the supermarket.)
*Explanation:* After expressions like il faut que, il est nécessaire que, and il est important que, the verb in the dependent clause *always* requires the subjunctive mood, not the indicative. "Vas" is indicative, "ailles" is subjunctive.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: *Il est important que nous parlons clairement.*
✓ Correct: *Il est important que nous parlions clairement.* (It is important that we speak clearly.)
*Explanation:* Even if the indicative and subjunctive forms look similar for some verbs (like *parler* in the *nous* form), it's crucial to use the correct subjunctive conjugation. For regular -er verbs, the *nous* and *vous* subjunctive endings are -ions and -iez, not -ons and -ez.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: *Il faut que prendre le train.*
✓ Correct: *Il faut prendre le train.* (One must take the train.) OR *Il faut que nous prenions le train.* (We must take the train.)
*Explanation:* Il faut + infinitive is used for a general, impersonal necessity (no specific subject). Il faut que + subjunctive is used when there's a specific subject performing the action after "que". Don't mix them up!

Real Conversations

A

A

Salut ! Il faut que tu viennes avec nous ce soir. (Hi! You must come with us tonight.)
B

B

Ah oui ? Il est important que je sois là ? (Oh really? Is it important that I be there?)
A

A

Pour la réunion de demain, il est nécessaire que nous ayons tous nos documents. (For tomorrow's meeting, it is necessary that we all have our documents.)
B

B

Oui, il faut que je prépare ma présentation aussi. (Yes, I must prepare my presentation too.)
A

A

J'ai un problème. Il est important que je parle à la directrice. (I have a problem. It's important that I speak to the director.)
B

B

D'accord, il faut que tu prennes rendez-vous. (Okay, you must make an appointment.)

Quick FAQ

Q

When do I use il faut vs. il faut que?

Use il faut + infinitive for general, impersonal necessities (e.g., *Il faut manger pour vivre.* - One must eat to live). Use il faut que + subjunctive when there's a specific subject performing the action (e.g., *Il faut que tu manges.* - You must eat.).

Q

Is the subjunctive always used after que?

No, not always! The subjunctive is used after que only when the main clause expresses a doubt, a wish, a necessity, an emotion, or a judgment. If the main clause states a fact or certainty, the indicative mood is used after que.

Q

How do I know the subjunctive form of a verb?

For most regular verbs, take the *ils* form of the present indicative, remove the -ent ending, and add the subjunctive endings: -e, -es, -e, -ions, -iez, -ent. Many common verbs are irregular, so memorization and practice are key!

Q

Can I use these expressions to talk about past events?

While these structures primarily trigger the present subjunctive for actions happening now or in the future, it is possible to use the *passé du subjonctif* (past subjunctive) for actions that happened in the past. However, this is a more advanced topic for B2+ learners and less common in everyday speech.

Cultural Context

These structures are incredibly common in everyday French conversation, reflecting a society that often values clear communication of expectations and desires. Il faut que is ubiquitous and can range from a gentle suggestion to a firm demand depending on tone. Il est nécessaire que adds a layer of formality or official requirement, often heard in professional or administrative contexts. Il est important que allows for emphasizing priorities while maintaining a polite, persuasive tone. Mastering these phrases will make your French sound much more natural and allow you to navigate social and professional situations with greater confidence. There are no significant regional differences in the usage of these core grammatical patterns across French-speaking areas.

Key Examples (4)

1

Il faut que tu finisses tes devoirs.

You must finish your homework.

French Necessity: Using 'il faut que' + Subjunctive
2

Il faut que nous partions maintenant pour le film.

We must leave now for the movie.

French Necessity: Using 'il faut que' + Subjunctive
3

Je veux que tu fasses la vaisselle.

I want you to do the dishes.

French Subjunctive: Expressing Wants and Will (Subjonctif de volonté)
4

Ma mère souhaite que je sois heureux.

My mother wishes that I be happy.

French Subjunctive: Expressing Wants and Will (Subjonctif de volonté)

Tips & Tricks (2)

💡

The 'Que' Trigger

Always look for 'que' after 'il faut'. If there is no 'que', use the infinitive.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: French Necessity: Using 'il faut que' + Subjunctive
💡

The 'Que' Rule

Always look for 'que' after a verb of will. It's your signal to use the subjunctive.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: French Subjunctive: Expressing Wants and Will (Subjonctif de volonté)

Key Vocabulary (7)

il faut que it is necessary that / must vouloir que to want that souhaiter que to wish that exiger que to demand that important important nécessaire necessary prêt / prête ready

Real-World Preview

party-popper

Organizing a Surprise Party

Review Summary

  • Il faut que + [Subject] + [Subjunctive Verb]
  • [Subject 1] + [Verb of Will] + que + [Subject 2] + [Subjunctive Verb]

Common Mistakes

Many learners accidentally use the indicative (present tense) after 'que'. 'Faire' is irregular in the subjunctive; 'fasses' is required.

Wrong: Il faut que tu fais tes devoirs.
Correct: Il faut que tu fasses (subjunctive) tes devoirs.

In English, we say 'I want you to go' (Infinitive). In French, you MUST use 'que' followed by a new clause with a conjugated verb in the subjunctive.

Wrong: Je veux partir que tu.
Correct: Je veux que tu partes.

For -er verbs, the 'nous' and 'vous' forms of the subjunctive look like the 'imparfait'. Don't forget that extra 'i'!

Wrong: Il est important que nous parlons.
Correct: Il est important que nous parlions (subjunctive).

Next Steps

You've just tackled one of the most famous parts of French grammar. The subjunctive might seem scary, but you're handling it like a pro! Keep practicing these 'que' triggers.

Write a 'To-Do' list for a roommate using only 'Il faut que...'.

Roleplay a boss/employee scenario with a partner focusing on 'Je veux que'.

Continue to: Sharing Your Feelings and Emotions

Quick Practice (8)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Il faut que tu partes.
Subjunctive conjugation for tu.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: French Necessity: Using 'il faut que' + Subjunctive

Correct the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

Il faut que nous mangeons.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Il faut que nous mangions.
Nous subjunctive ending is -ions.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: French Necessity: Using 'il faut que' + Subjunctive

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Il faut que nous finissons.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Il faut que nous finissions.
Subjunctive ending for nous is -ions.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: French Subjunctive: Expressing Wants and Will (Subjonctif de volonté)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je veux que tu partes.
Correct subjunctive ending.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: French Subjunctive: Expressing Wants and Will (Subjonctif de volonté)

Fill in the blank with the correct subjunctive form.

Il faut que tu (finir) ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: finisses
Tu requires -es ending.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: French Necessity: Using 'il faut que' + Subjunctive

Fill in the blank.

J'exige qu'il (faire) ____ ses devoirs.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: fasse
Subjunctive of faire.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: French Subjunctive: Expressing Wants and Will (Subjonctif de volonté)

Choose the correct form.

Il faut que vous (avoir) ____.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ayez
Irregular form.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: French Subjunctive: Expressing Wants and Will (Subjonctif de volonté)

Fill in the blank with the correct subjunctive form.

Je veux que tu (venir) ____.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: viennes
Subjunctive of venir is 'viennes'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: French Subjunctive: Expressing Wants and Will (Subjonctif de volonté)

Score: /8

Common Questions (4)

It is a mood used for subjective expressions like necessity.
Yes, 'Il faut que nous mangions'.
It comes from Latin 'subjungere', meaning to join under, because it's a subordinate clause.
Yes, 'que' is the bridge between the main verb and the subjunctive verb.
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Common Irregular Verbs: Part 2
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Sharing Your Feelings and Emotions
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