I don't understand when I use the imperfect tense and when i should use the perfect tense!

The imperfect and perfect tenses are the two main past tenses used in french but it can be a bit tricky knowing when to use each one!I find that the easiest way of thinking about it is to think of the imperfect tense as a description or an uncompleted action whereas the perfect tense is used for a specific event or completed action.For example:J'étais à l'école quand il a commencé à pleuvoir. Can you tell me which part of the sentence is the imperfect tense and which part is the perfect tense and why?Another time you would use the imperfect tense is when we would say 'I used to do...' in English.For example, 'I used to swim'. would be translated by 'Je nageais.'

RF
Answered by Ruth F. French tutor

2342 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

When is it appropriate to use the verb "savoir" versus "connaitre"?


In French, does the adjective come before or after the noun which it describes?


Quelles sont les avantages et les inconvénients de la téchnologie pour les jeunes?


How do I know when to use 'avoir' and when to use 'être' to form the past tense with a reflexive verb?


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