should have (pp) v should have had to (inf)

H. A.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

should have (pp) v should have had to (inf)

Consider...

1. "Paul should have left earlier."

2. "Paul should have had to leave earlier."

As I understand it, both these sentences would be translated as "Paul aurait dû partir plus tôt", even though, in English, there is a difference in meaning. Is there a better way to translate #2 to convey the meaning that Paul was compelled to leave?

This question relates to:French lesson "Conjugate devoir in the conditional past in French = should have (Le Conditionnel Passé)"

Asked 2 years ago

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Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Hi Harry,

How about this construction?

Il aurait fallu que Paul soit parti tôt.

I realise that It doesn't use devoir of course

Hope it may help?

Jim

Like02 years ago

H. A. asked:View original