When should I use passé composé and when should I use the imperfect tense?

The passé composé is always used once an action is completed. For example, when saying 'yesterday I went to school', you would use the passé composé - 'Hier, je suis allée au collège'. The imperfect tense is usually used if the action has not been completed and is still ongoing/reoccurring. For example, 'I was going going to school', you would use the imperfect tense - 'J'allais au collège'.

 

 

AC
Answered by Ashleigh C. French tutor

3344 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do you conjugate the Conditional Tense?


How do I know when to use the relative pronouns ‘qui’ and ‘que’?


How could I improve the register of my French language?


How do I know whether to use passé composé or imparfait?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning