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

2696 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What's the difference between 'tous' and 'tout'?


When do you use 'avoir' and 'être' when using 'Le passé composé'?


How do you form the past compound tense?


How do you approach the comprehension questions in the reading paper?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning