Learn Hardcore French: Je dois examiner chaque détail du loyer avant de signer. - I must examine every detail of the rent before signing.

Je dois translates to “I must” or “I have to.” It is formed by conjugating the verb devoir in the first-person singular present tense. Devoir is an irregular modal verb used to express obligation or necessity.

Why is the verb examiner in its infinitive form after Je dois?

In French, modal verbs like devoir are always followed by an infinitive without any preposition. Thus, Je dois examiner directly means “I must examine,” mirroring the structure seen with other modal verbs such as pouvoir (can) or vouloir (want).

What is the role of chaque in the phrase chaque détail du loyer?

Chaque means “each” or “every,” and it functions as an adjective modifying détail. This emphasizes that no single detail is being overlooked, implying a thorough, individual review of every detail in the context of du loyer.

Why is du loyer used instead of de le loyer?

In French, the preposition de contracts with the definite article le to form du when it precedes a masculine singular noun. Therefore, du loyer is the correct contraction for “of the rent.”

What function does the phrase avant de signer serve in this sentence?

Avant de signer is an adverbial phrase that indicates timing; it tells us that the action of examining must occur before signing. The construction avant de is always followed by an infinitive in French, specifying what action comes next—in this case, signer (to sign).

Could chaque détail be replaced with tous les détails? What is the difference?

Yes, you could say tous les détails, which means “all the details.” However, chaque détail emphasizes a meticulous, individual focus on every single detail one by one, whereas tous les détails refers more collectively to everything as a whole. The choice depends on whether you want to stress a detailed inspection or simply note that all details are considered.