Conditional with "devoir" - obligation/probability

This grammar point works by changing the verb devoir. Normally, devoir means "to have to" or "must." When you put it in the conditional, it softens. It moves from a requirement to a possibility. You are basically saying something is a good idea. It is not a strict rule or a law. You use it to express what is likely to happen. It also works for making polite requests. It acts as a social lubricant in French conversation. You don't want to tell your boss "You must help me." Instead, you say "You should help me." It makes a huge difference in how people react.

1. 1To build this, you need a specific stem. The stem for devoir in the conditional is devr-. You use this same stem for every person. Then, you add the conditional endings. These endings are the same as the imparfait endings. Follow these simple steps:
2. 2Start with the special stem devr-.
3. 3Choose the correct ending for your subject.
4. 4For je, add -ais to get devrais.
5. 5For tu, add -ais to get devrais.
6. 6For il, elle, or on, add -ait to get devrait.
7. 7For nous, add -ions to get devrions.
8. 8For vous, add -iez to get devriez.
9. 9For ils or elles, add -aient to get devraient.
10. 10It is like building a Lego set. The base is always devr-. The top piece changes based on the person. Always remember to keep that "r" in there. The "r" is the secret ingredient for the conditional sound.

Use this when you give advice to friends. For example, "You should see this movie." Use it when suggesting a plan for dinner. "We should eat at the new bistro." It is perfect for expressing probability or a guess. "He should be at home right now." You can use it in a job interview. "I should be able to start on Monday." It works well when asking for directions too. "Should I turn left at the pharmacy?" It is great for ordering food politely. "I should take the salad, please." Use it whenever you want to be chic and kind. It shows you respect the other person's choice.

Do not use this for absolute laws. If the police give you an order, they use dois. Do not use it for physical needs. "I must breathe" is not a suggestion. Avoid it when you are 100% certain of a fact. If the train is definitely leaving, use the present tense. Don't use it to describe the past. This form is for the present or the future. It is not for things that already happened. Using it for a command might sound too weak. If there is a fire, don't say "You should leave." Just say "Leave!" Use your common sense for the situation.

Many people forget the letter "r" in the stem. Without the "r," it sounds like the past tense. This can confuse your French friends. Another mistake is using the present tense dois for advice. This makes you sound like a strict teacher. Don't mix up the endings for nous and vous. Some people use the infinitive endings by mistake. Remember, the conditional endings are very specific. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes! Don't worry if you trip over the pronunciation. The "r" followed by "ai" can be tricky. Just keep practicing the flow of the word.

Compare tu dois with tu devrais. Tu dois means "you must." It is a direct obligation. Tu devrais means "you should." It is a suggestion. Think of dois as a closed door. Think of devrais as an open window. You also have tu pourrais, which means "you could." Pourrais is even softer than devrais. Devrais implies there is a "right" thing to do. Pourrais just lists one of many options. Use devrais when you really think it's a good idea. Use dois when there is no other choice.