When should you use the passé simple instead of the imparfait?

The "passé simple" is most often used in literary and formal writing express a completed past action. E.g. Un jour, elle tomba malade. (one day, she fell ill)

The "imparfait" on the other hand is used to describe continued or repeated actions in the past. It expresses what is going on at an indefinite time in the past. E.g. Chaque jour, Manon mangeait son déjeuner chez elle. (Every day, Manon would eat her lunch at home)

AV
Answered by Annabel V. French tutor

2496 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Lire le text, est ce qu'il est a) a baker, b) a postman ou c) a sailor?


How is the simple future tense formed in French?


Quelle est la différence entre l'imparfait et le prétérit/passé simple?


How do I know when to use the imparfait or the passé composé when talking in the past tense?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences