How do I use the imperfect in French?

In French, the imperfect is used to describe a scene (il FAISAIT beau), to say that you did something regularly in the past (je MANGEAIS un burger toutes les semaines) or to describe a continuous action in the past (je COURAIS très vite).

It is formed by taking the nous form of the present, taking off the 'ons' and adding the endings (ais, ais, ait, ions, iez, aient). For example, if I want to say "you (plural) used to say", I would take the nous form of the present (nous disons), take off the ending and add iez. "Vous disiez". Et voilà!

SG
Answered by Sérina G. French tutor

3512 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do I form a positive imperative command in French?


Le centre de la France est l’endroit idéal pour passer vos vacances en famille. Vous y découvrirez de beaux villages qui se trouvent au milieu de champs verts. La région a toujours offert aux visiteurs un accueil chaleureux dont nos habitants sont fiers.


How is the pronoun 'on' used in French?


Qu-est-ce que tu aimes faire pendant tes temps libres?


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