How to use 'depuis' in French.

'Depuis' is used in French to express a duration, in a similar way to 'since' and 'for' in English.
The first and most typical use of 'depuis' is to express an action which began in the past, which is continuing in the present. The verb of a phrase that uses 'depuis' in this sense, will always be conjugated in the present. For example, if you wanted to say 'I have been studying English for 5 years', in French, you would say, 'J'étudie l'anglais depuis cinq ans.'
The second use of 'depuis' is to express an action which began in the past but has since been completed or interrupted, and which is therefore no longer continuing in the present. When using 'depuis' in this way, the verb of the phrase will always be conjugated in either the passé composé or the imparfait. For example, to say that 'I had been living in England for 3 years when my daughter was born', you would say 'Je vivais en Angleterre depuis trois ans quand ma fille est née.'

JB
Answered by Jacob B. French tutor

3055 Views

See similar French A Level tutors

Related French A Level answers

All answers ▸

When would I use the subjunctive?


How to stop making mood mistake after "que" in frenchstop making mood mistake after "que" in french


Can you describe the french political system ?


Which tense of the subjunctive should I use if I am referring to the future?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences