When do you use imparfait instead of passé composé to describe past events?

While the passé composé is used to refer to specific past events of interest, the imparfait can loosely be thought of as describing “background information” such as:

- States of being and habitual actions:

“Quand j’était petit, je jouais le piano.”

- Actions of an unspecified duration. Descriptions of time, weather and feelings:

“Il faisait beau. Tout les oiseaux chantaient. Elle était très belle. Il l'aimait.”

- Actions that are in progress when a sudden event occurs:

“Je dormais quand le téléphone a sonné.”

Answered by Alexander S. French tutor

2681 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do I use the perfect and imperfect tenses?


How do I conjugate 'aller' in the pluperfect tense?


How can I distinguish between feminine and masculine nouns?


Qu'est ce qu'on peut faire chez nous pour protéger la planète?


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 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences