When would you use the preterite versus the imperfect?

The preterite tense is used for completed actions in the past, so for example: j'ai joué au foot hier. The action has been done once and is finished.
The imperfect would be used for repeated actions in the past, things that happened over a period of time, were habitual or something you used to do. For example: je jouais au football tous les samedis

Answered by Tilli E. French tutor

978 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Le centre de la France est l’endroit idéal pour passer vos vacances en famille. Vous y découvrirez de beaux villages qui se trouvent au milieu de champs verts. La région a toujours offert aux visiteurs un accueil chaleureux dont nos habitants sont fiers.


How do we form the pluperfect tense?


Explain the differences between the 'passé composé' and the 'imparfait', and the circumstances in which each tense would normally be used.


How do I know when to use avoir and when to use être in the passé composé - the perfect tense?


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences