How to Use the Greek Imperfect Tense for English Speakers

What is the Greek Imperfect Tense?

The Greek imperfect tense is used to describe actions that were ongoing, habitual, or repeated in the past. It is similar to the English past continuous ("was doing") or used to express repeated past actions ("used to do").

How to Form the Greek Imperfect Tense

To form the imperfect tense in Greek, you start with the verb stem and add specific imperfect endings. The imperfect is formed only in the active voice and indicative mood.

Steps to form the imperfect tense:

1. Take the present tense stem of the verb.
2. Add the augment 'ε-' at the beginning to indicate past tense.
3. Add the imperfect endings according to the person and number.

Imperfect Endings for Active Voice Indicative

• -ον (1st person singular)
• -ες (2nd person singular)
• -ε(ν) (3rd person singular)
• -ομεν (1st person plural)
• -ετε (2nd person plural)
• -ον (3rd person plural)

Examples of Greek Imperfect Tense

Let's look at the verb 'γράφω' (to write) in the imperfect tense:

• ἔγραφον (I was writing)
• ἔγραφες (you were writing)
• ἔγραφε(ν) (he/she/it was writing)
• ἐγράφομεν (we were writing)
• ἐγράφετε (you all were writing)
• ἔγραφον (they were writing)

Usage of the Greek Imperfect Tense

The imperfect tense is used in Greek to express:

• Continuous or ongoing past actions (e.g., "I was reading a book.")
• Repeated or habitual past actions (e.g., "We used to go to the beach every summer.")
• Background descriptions in the past (e.g., "The sun was shining.")

Differences Between Greek Imperfect and Aorist Tenses

While both tenses refer to past actions, the imperfect emphasizes the ongoing or repeated nature of the action, whereas the aorist describes a simple, completed past action.

Tips for English Speakers Learning the Greek Imperfect

Since English uses the past continuous and simple past to express similar ideas, try to associate the Greek imperfect with the English 'was/were doing' or 'used to' forms. Practice by describing past routines or ongoing past events in Greek.