How do you know when to use Imparfait and when to use Avoir for French HELP HELP HELP HELP?

Question

If you want to use past-tense how do you know when to use Imparfait or when to use Avoir or etre.

Answer 1

The imparfait is used for continuous, repeated, or unfinished action in the past. It's also used for description.

The passe compose, either with avoir or etre as "helping" or auxiliary verb is used for completed action in the past.

Example: J'avais cinq ans quand mon frere est ne.

I was five years old when my brother was born.

Answer 2

Erm. Little issue with the previous answer: J'avais is imparfait, not passe compose...

I am guessing that what you want to know is when to use the imparfait, and when to use the passe compose, with the auxilaries avoir and etre.

Although I would know how to use it, I wouldn't know how to explain it. So I will give you a very helpful link, with very clear explanations and examples.

Good luck!

Answer 3

past but not finished