Just like avoir or aller, the verb devoir is a common French verb that can be used both in sentences and grammatical constructions.
French
English
Je dois faire la vaisselle.
I have to do the dishes.
Usage in the Sentence
Rule 1: Verb devoir is followed by an infinitive and means "must". It can be used:
- to show an obligation to do something.
French
English
Tu dois faire tes devoirs.
You must do your homework.
- to express an assumption.
French
English
Elle doit être malade.
She must be sick.
- if negated, it means "must not" or “can’t”.
French
English
Je ne dois pas être en retard.
I can’t be late.
Conjugation
Rule 2: Verb devoir is a common French verb, but it is irregular. Here's how it is conjugated:
| je | dois |
| tu | dois |
| il, elle, on | doit |
| nous | devons |
| vous | devez |
| ils, elles | doivent |
| je | dois |
| tu | dois |
| il, elle, on | doit |
| nous | devons |
| vous | devez |
| ils, elles | doivent |
Usage in Grammatical Constructions
Rule 3: When devoir is conjugated in the conditional mood, it is similar to the English should. In that case, it expresses a supposition or a deduction.
French
English
Elle devrait être là dans une heure.
She should be here in an hour.
Exception
Rule 4: When devoir is used with a noun and not an infinitive, it means owe. In that case, we use a construction devoir quelque chose à quelqu’un (to owe something to someone).
French
English
Il me doit 10 dollars.
He ows me 10 dollar.
Quiz
1/3
Je _ lui dire que je l'aime.
0
correct answers.