How can I make the difference between the 'passé simple' and the 'imparfait'

The 'passé simple' is a tense for a past, finished action whereas, the 'imparfait' is used to describe an action in the past, longer and maybe unfinished.

Passé simple is a precise moment whereas Imparfait is over a larger period and slower. 

FB
Answered by Florence B. French tutor

6169 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do I remember when to use the perfect or the imperfect tense?


Qu'est ce que vous pensez du mariage homosexuelle?


How do we form the pluperfect for regular verbs?


How do you form the regular present tense? (use the verbs 'penser' and 'manger')


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