Avoir besoin de, devoir : sentences comparison

Anita P.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Avoir besoin de, devoir : sentences comparison

The examples:

1. J’ai besoin d’aller faire les courses avant le dîner   and

2. Je dois aller faire les courses avant dîner 

I understand that in 1. the noun is used and in 2. the verb but in 2. could you also say

Je dois aller faire les courses avant le dîner ?

I’m asking because my mind translates 2. as - i need to go shopping before dining. 


Asked 4 years ago
Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

I can't see anything wrong with your logic.

1) You have need to go food shopping before the evening meal. (noun)

2) You have to go food shopping before dining. (verb)

Alan (Jim)

CélineNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq

Bonjour Anita,

Yes, you can say 'je dois aller faire les courses avant le dîner'. 

Bonne journée!

Avoir besoin de, devoir : sentences comparison

The examples:

1. J’ai besoin d’aller faire les courses avant le dîner   and

2. Je dois aller faire les courses avant dîner 

I understand that in 1. the noun is used and in 2. the verb but in 2. could you also say

Je dois aller faire les courses avant le dîner ?

I’m asking because my mind translates 2. as - i need to go shopping before dining. 


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