When do you use the compound past or the imperfect tense in French?

The compound past is used for actions that are completed and have no further relevance at present. For example, "J’ai fini mes devoirs."  

On the other hand, the imperfect tense is used for ongoing actions in the past without an ending, or something that you used to do regularly. For example, "Je faisais mes devoirs."

LB
Answered by Louise B. French tutor

2101 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

When should I use the passé composé, and when I use the imperfect tense?


What is the difference between avoir and etre in the passé composé?


Vous décrivez votre vie d’adolescent(e) pour votre blog. (vos passe-temps préférés, vos relations familiales, une activité récente avec un(e) ami(e), vos projets pour le week-end prochain)


Tout d’abord, peux-tu me donner quelques renseignements sur toi ?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning