Il faut que je fasse mes devoirs.

HeatherB2Kwiziq community member

Il faut que je fasse mes devoirs.

Il faut que je fasse mes devoirs. (I must do my homework.) Could this also be: Il me faut que je fasse mes devoirs? When do you use the reflexive?
Asked 6 years ago
AurélieKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Bonjour Heather !

The "il me faut" structure can only be followed by a noun or an infinitive, whereas "il faut que" will be followed by a full clause (subject + conuugated verb).

In terms of usage, "il faut que je fasse" is more colloquial and commonly used, whereas "il me faut faire" would actually sound a bit over sophisticated.

Here are links to our two related lessons:
https://french.kwiziq.com/revision/grammar/how-to-express-necessity-or-obligation-with-the-expression-il-faut

https://french.kwiziq.com/revision/grammar/il-faut-que-is-always-followed-by-le-subjonctif-present-the-subjunctive-mood

I hope that's helpful!

Bonne journée !

ChrisC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

It would be "Il me faut faire mes devoirs."
The two versions are very similar but saying "Il faut que je fasse mes devoirs." is more of a general statement.

But a native speaker would have to weigh in on this.

-- Chris.

HelenC1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor
Merci beaucoup Aurelie et Claus.
MichelleC1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor
And I thought I was so smart to be able to avoid the subjunctive in those cases by using "Il me faut" structres. All this time I thought it sounded more childlike and instead it was the exact opposite. I guess I have to finally get that subjunctive in my head somehow. It's one of those things I just don't get.

Il faut que je fasse mes devoirs.

Il faut que je fasse mes devoirs. (I must do my homework.) Could this also be: Il me faut que je fasse mes devoirs? When do you use the reflexive?

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