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Learn French modal verbs like vouloir (to want), devoir (to have to), pouvoir (to be able to), and falloir (must) to express desires, obligations, and permissions, essential for everyday conversations.
  1. The modal verb precedes a verb in the infinitive form.
Verbe (Verb)Exemple (Example)
Vouloir (Want)Je veux goûter ce fromage. (I want to taste this cheese.)
Devoir (Must)Je dois peser les ingrédients. (I must weigh the ingredients.)
Pouvoir (Can)Je peux cuisiner avec toi ? (Can I cook with you?)
Falloir (To have to)Il faut goûter avant de choisir. (You must taste before choosing.)

Exceptions!

  1. The verb falloir is impersonal and is only conjugated in the third person singular.

Exercise 1: Les verbes modaux : "Devoir, Falloir, Pouvoir, Vouloir"

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

peux, pouvons, devons, doivent, dois, pouvez, veulent, faut

1. Pouvoir :
Vous ... lire la recette.
(You can read the recipe.)
2. Falloir :
Il ... goûter avant de servir.
(You must taste before serving.)
3. Devoir :
Elles ... goûter le gâteau de leur grand-mère.
(They must taste their grandmother's cake.)
4. Pouvoir:
Est-ce que je ... avoir la farine?
(Can I have the flour?)
5. Vouloir :
Ils ... suivre la recette.
(They want to follow the recipe.)
6. Devoir :
Je ... mélanger les œufs et la farine ensemble.
(I have to mix the eggs and the flour together.)
7. Pouvoir :
Nous ... cuisiner ensemble.
(We can cook together.)
8. Devoir :
Nous ... utiliser le bon ustensile.
(We must use the right utensil.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct solution

1. Je ___ peser la farine pour la recette.

(I ___ have to weigh the flour for the recipe.)

2. Il ___ mélanger le sucre et la farine.

(You ___ must mix the sugar and the flour.)

3. Nous ___ utiliser le fouet pour mélanger.

(We ___ can use the whisk to mix.)

4. Tu ___ ajouter du poivre dans la recette ?

(You ___ want to add pepper to the recipe?)

5. Ils ___ doser l'huile avec attention.

(They ___ must measure the oil carefully.)

6. Vous ___ peser les ingrédients avant de commencer.

(You ___ must weigh the ingredients before starting.)

Modal Verbs in French: Devoir, Falloir, Pouvoir, Vouloir

This lesson focuses on essential French modal verbs used to express obligation, permission, or desire. Modal verbs are an integral part of everyday communication and always are followed by an infinitive verb. Understanding how to use these verbs correctly will help you describe what you must do, can do, want to do, or need to do.

Key Modal Verbs Covered

  • Vouloir – to want
    Example: Je veux goûter ce fromage. (I want to taste this cheese.)
  • Devoir – to have to, must
    Example: Je dois peser les ingrédients. (I must weigh the ingredients.)
  • Pouvoir – to be able to, can
    Example: Je peux cuisiner avec toi ? (Can I cook with you?)
  • Falloir – to be necessary (impersonal)
    Example: Il faut goûter avant de choisir. (It is necessary to taste before choosing.)

What You Will Learn

Modal verbs are conjugated before an infinitive verb to express:

  • Obligation: Like devoir (must, have to)
  • Permission or ability: Like pouvoir (can, be able to)
  • Desire or intention: Like vouloir (want)
  • Necessity: Using falloir, which is impersonal and only conjugated in the third person singular.

Important Notes on Usage

The verb falloir is unique as it is always used impersonally and conjugated only as il faut. This means you do not say "je faut" or "tu faut." Instead, it expresses a general necessity or obligation.

Differences Between English and French Modal Verbs

Unlike English, modal verbs in French are placed directly before an infinitive verb without additional auxiliary verbs. For example, English uses "have to" or "can," while French uses just "devoir" or "pouvoir" plus the infinitive. Another difference is that "falloir" has no direct personal subject like "I" or "you," but uses the impersonal "il" instead, translating roughly as "it is necessary."

Useful Vocabulary and Phrases

  • Vouloir – to want
  • Devoir – must, to have to
  • Pouvoir – can, to be able to
  • Falloir – to be necessary (impersonal)
  • Il faut – it is necessary
  • Je dois – I must
  • Tu veux – you want
  • Nous pouvons – we can

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This content has been designed and reviewed by the coLanguage pedagogical team: About coLanguage

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Alessia Calcagni

Languages for communication in international enterprises and organizations

Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

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Last Updated:

Thursday, 17/07/2025 13:52