How to Use the Imperfect Tense in French

Understanding the Imperfect Tense

The imperfect tense, or l'imparfait, is a past tense used in French to describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past. It provides background details, such as emotions, time, and weather conditions.

How to Form the Imperfect Tense

To form the imperfect tense in French, use the nous form of the present tense, remove the -ons ending, and add the appropriate imperfect endings: -ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient.

Imperfect Endings and Examples

When to Use the Imperfect Tense

The imperfect tense is often used to set the scene: it describes past conditions, habitual actions, or ongoing past actions interrupted by another event. It is commonly paired with the passé composé in narrative past contexts.

Common Mistakes

Beginners often confuse the imperfect with the passé composé. Remember, the imperfect is for background or routine actions, while the passé composé is for specific, completed events.

• Use the imperfect for childhood routines: Quand j'étais enfant, je lisais tous les soirs.
• Describe an ongoing action: Il pleuvait quand je suis sorti.
• Avoid the passé composé for scenes and settings: La maison était ancienne et belle.