What is the difference between the passé composé and the imparfait tense?

Both tenses are used to express the past tense in French. The impfarfait explains what was happening, with no indication of when or even if it ended. For example: 'Je faisais mes devoirs'. Whereas, the passé composé is used to announce actions that were completed: 'J'ai fini mes devoirs'. 

RD
Answered by Rebecca D. French tutor

3679 Views

See similar French A Level tutors

Related French A Level answers

All answers ▸

Comment peut-on expliquer la popularité des réseaux sociaux ? A votre avis, quels sont les aspects positifs et négatifs de ces réseaux ?


Reformulez la phrase ci dessous en commençant avec les mots entre parenthèses: "Harry a été recruté par l'école des sorciers." (L'école des sorciers ...)


What is the past historic tense?


Translate into French: Are you not ashamed of what you have done in your neighbour’s house?


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