passe compose vs imparfait Flashcards
1
Q
use of passe compose
A
- to express specific actions that started and ended in past and are viewed to be completed
- to tell about events that happened at a specific point in time or within a specific length of time in past
- to express begin or end of past action
- to narrate series of past actions
- to signal change in physical or mental state
- main facts
- specific completed events
- actions that advance plot
2
Q
use of imparfait
A
- framework of story
- descriptions of people
- background setting
- to describe ongoing past action with no reference to begin or end
- to express habitual or repeated past actions and events
- to describe mental, physical and emotional conditions
3
Q
imperfect tense
A
- take nous form and add je -ais tu -ais il - ait nous - ions vous - iez - ils - aient
4
Q
etre imperfect
A
étais étais était étions étiez étaient
