imparfait vs. passe compose
whats the easiest way to tell the difference
when to use each one
any tricks, hints, tips
2007-09-10 16:22:27 · 3 answers · asked by ... 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
The passe compose is the easiest. It's used when you're sure the action has been completed.
The imparfait is used for: 1) description in the past 2) repeated past actions 3) an action that happened over a period of time in the past but doesn't specify when it ended 4) to translate the English "used to."
The trick is: if you can't tell when the action ended, use the imparfait. If you perceive the action as completed, or if there's a specified time, use the passe compose. Here's one example:
Yesterday, I visited my friend. = passe compose
I visited my friend every Monday. = imparfait
I used to visit my friend on Mondays. = imparfait
My friend was very atheletic. = imparfait (description)
2007-09-11 04:10:41 · answer #1 · answered by Elaine P...is for Poetry 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Imparfait" usually finish with "ais", "ait", "ions", "iez", "aient". Like in "J'aimais les fruits" or "Nous allions à la plage".
In "passé composé", you need the verb "être" or "avoir" with the main verb. Like in "J'ai aimé les fruits" or "Nous sommes allés à la plage".
Imparfait is used for an action in the past, on a period of time.
Passé composé is more for an action in the past, done and over.
2007-09-11 00:21:56 · answer #2 · answered by Elise B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's impossibly hard. Just keep comparing examples and find your own little trick.
2007-09-10 23:30:01 · answer #3 · answered by corpsusmarine 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋