French Phrase
On doit vérifier les antécédents.
Meaning
The sentence states that it is necessary to check someone's background or records. It conveys a general obligation, often used in professional or legal contexts where due diligence is required.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing hiring procedures, security clearances, legal investigations, or any situation where a background check is mandatory. It works both in formal meetings and in written policies.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ondoitvérifierlesantécédents
Impersonal "on"
"On" is an impersonal pronoun that can mean "one", "we", or a general subject, and it takes third‑person singular verb forms.
Devoir + infinitive
The verb *devoir* expresses obligation; it is followed by an infinitive (here *vérifier*) to indicate what must be done.
Infinitive unchanged
The infinitive *vérifier* never changes its ending regardless of the subject.
Definite article with plural noun
The plural noun *antécédents* (backgrounds, records) requires the plural definite article *les*.
Antécédents
*Antécédents* can refer to a person's past, criminal record, or professional history, depending on context.
🗨In Conversation
On doit vérifier les antécédents avant d'embaucher un nouveau collaborateur.
We must check the background before hiring a new employee.
Oui, c'est indispensable pour éviter les problèmes futurs.
Yes, it's essential to avoid future problems.
✕Common Mistakes
On doit vérifier les antécédent.
The noun *antécédent* is plural here; you need the plural article *les* and the plural noun form *antécédents*.
On doit vérifie les antécédents.
Never conjugate the infinitive; *vérifier* stays in its base form after *doit*.
On doit vérifier le antécédents.
The article must agree in gender and number; use *les* for the plural noun.
↔Alternatives
Il faut vérifier les antécédents.
It is necessary to check the background(s).
Nous devons vérifier les antécédents.
We have to check the background(s).
Il est nécessaire de vérifier les antécédents.
It is necessary to verify the background(s).
Cultural Tip
In French‑speaking workplaces, background checks are common but are regulated by privacy laws such as the GDPR. When speaking about them, keep a professional tone and avoid overly casual language. In some regions (e.g., Québec), you may also hear *vérifier les antécédents* used in the context of security clearances for public service jobs.