When do I use the imperfect tense?

The imperfect tense is used when there is no definite conclusion to an action or event- the event/action took place over an undefined period of time, without a distinct knowledge of it ending:e.g/ 'I used to play squash' - Je jouais au squash-You USED to play squash, and do not play it either as much currently, or at all; notice here how there is no definite conclusion of stopping squash entirely: therefore the imperfect tense best fits here.Note also that 'Je jouais au squash' can also be translated as 'I was playing squash...(when)'- if an action is interrupted and is not fully completed, the imperfect tense is best to use.e.g/ 'I was playing squash when I saw my friend'- Je jouais au squash quand j'ai vu mon ami. (The imperfect tense also works well when describing previous feelings and with particular phrases)

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Answered by Marnie S. French tutor

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How do you form the perfect tense?


Il y a un centre commercial dans ma ville. Le samedi j’aime faire les magasins avec ma copine. Récemment j’ai acheté un nouveau portable. C’était trop cher. Je ne sais pas si on va sortir la semaine prochaine. Translate this extract.


When do I use the imperfect and perfect tense?


Vous décrivez là où vous habitez pour votre blog. Décrivez : • votre ville et ses attractions • les aspects positifs et négatifs de votre maison • une visite récente à votre ville • où vous voulez habiter à l’avenir.


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