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

1967 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

La cigarette est un vrai problème chez les jeunes. Which social issue is being mentioned here?


Tu passes un bon moment en vacances et tu décides d’envoyer un e-mail à ton ami pour lui raconter. Écris l’e-mail que tu lui enverrais.


When do you use the imperfect tense rather than le passé composé?


What is the difference between the imperfect and the perfect tense?


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