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

The imperfect tense is used when describing actions in the past that are not completed whereas the perfect tense describes completed actions in the past.The imperfect tense is also used to describe emotions in the past, for example how someone felt in that moment.

EJ
Answered by Emily J. French tutor

2077 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How can I understand the tense 'passé composé'/ Can you explain 'passé composé to me?


Why do some verbs take avoir and some verbs take être in the perfect tense and how can I remember which ones?


Explain the difference between definite and indefinite articles.


What are some rules of pronunciation to sound more like a native French speaker?


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