Usage of the Imperfect Tense and the Passé Composé.


A question which blights both GCSE and A Level students and becomes particularly relevant when doing translation work. The imperfect tense refers to actions that took place over a long period in the past, and it is often used in description. The passé composé is used for singular events which were completed. However in structures where they are used side by side, they give a greater textual narrative; i.e. as something was (imperfect) happening, then something else happened (passé composé ). This easy switch between tenses gives a greater sense of meaning, which needs to be communicated in translation work. This is a problem of both grammar and meaning.

Answered by Elizabeth B. French tutor

1531 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do I conjugate regular verbs in the imperfect tense?


How can I improve my fluency in French?


Donnez des exemples de ce que vous aimez faire pendant votre temps libre.


Tu portes un uniforme scolaire? Que penses-tu de ça? Tu es pour ou contre l'uniforme?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences