When do we use the imperfect tense and how is it formed?

The imperfect tense is used for continuous, ongoing actions in the past. It is often used for descriptions (when we are 'setting the scene') in the past, and it is used when we talk about things that we 'used to do' or things that we 'were doing'.To form the imperfect tense, first take the -er, -ir, or -re ending off the infinitive form of the verb. Then add one of the following endings, depending on the type of verb: -er -ir -reje -ais -issais -aistu -ais -issais -aiselle/il -ait -issait -aitnous -ions -issions -ionsvous -iez -issiez -iezelles/ils -aient -issaient -aientThere are also irregular verbs (such as avoir and faire) that do not follow the rules above - you will have to learn how to conjugate these verbs individually.

Answered by James H. French tutor

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