Il faut que je fasse mes devoirs.

Question

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?

Aurélie Drouard · Accepted 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 !

Chris Wirt · Answer

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.

helen whelan · Answer

Merci beaucoup Aurelie et Claus.

Michelle Private · Answer

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.