Just like avoir or aller, the verb devoir is a common French verb that can be used both in sentences and grammatical constructions.
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.
- to express an assumption.
- if negated, it means "must not" or “can’t”.
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 |
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.
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).
Quiz
1/3Je _ lui dire que je l'aime.