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

3684 Views

See similar French A Level tutors

Related French A Level answers

All answers ▸

Choose a novel or short story in which there is a character who experiences rejection or isolation. With reference to appropriate techniques, explain the rejection or isolation, and discuss how this aspect adds to your appreciation of the text as a whole


How do I form the conditional past (conditionnel passé)?


Pourquoi est-qu'il y a un niveau tel haut de chômage en Europe de nos jours?


When do you know when you're supposed to add the female marker at the end of the past participle.


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