Falloir in the past tense

steve i.C1Kwiziq community member

Is it correct to say 'Il fallait qu'il annule son vacance' or should the 'annule' also be in the past tense? Merci.

Asked 5 years ago

CécileKwiziq Native French TeacherCorrect answer

Hi Steve,

You would say -

Il a fallu qu'il annule ses vacances = He's had to cancel his holiday

Because it is a short finished action and the imperfect isn't suitable here. The tense in the subordinate clause remains in the subjunctive present.

Bonne Continuation!

Like15 years ago

steve i.C1Kwiziq community member

Merci, Cécile.

Like05 years ago

Is it correct to say 'Il fallait qu'il annule son vacance' or should the 'annule' also be in the past tense? Merci.

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