What is the difference between passé composé and imparfait tenses?

In general, we use imparfait to talk about our memories from the past. Imparfait indicates actions that were continuous, not momentary. For example: "Quand j'avais les boucles d'oreilles, j'aimais les porter." (When I had earrings, I liked to wear them.) or Il faisait froid. J'attendais le bus. (It was cold. I was waiting for the bus.)In contrast, passé composé represents movement, a change in a course of actions. If I continue my story about earrings, I could say "Il y a deux ans, je les ai perdu." (Two years ago, I lost them.) or "Le vent a cassé mon parapluie quand j'attendais le bus." (The wind broke my umbrella, when I was waiting for the bus.) Moreover, passé composé goes with specific time period, which is well-defined: "de 1669 à 1723" (from 1669 to 1723); "entre XIIe et XIVe siècle" (between the 12th and 14th centuries).

Answered by Gabriele M. French tutor

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