(1) How is the imperfect tense formed in French? (2) What are 2 exceptions to the rule?

(1)

The imperfect tense is formed by taking the nous form of the present tense. For the verb 'jouer' (to play), for example, the nous form is 'jouons' (as in nous jouons).

The -ons is removed from the verb, leaving 'jou' and the imperfect endings (ais, ais, ait, ions, iez, aient) are added: 

je   jouais

tu                         jouais
il/ elle/ il              jouait
nous                    jouions
vous                    jouiez
ils/ elles              jouaient

 

(2)

2 exceptions to this rule are commencer and manger. 

Verbs like manger add an extra -e before -a, -o, -u.

Nous mangeons becomes:

je mangeais

tu mangeais

il/elle/on mangeait

nous mangions vous mangiez

ils/elles mangeaient

 

With verbs like commencer, the last -c becomes -ç before -a, -o, -u. Nous commençons:

je commençais

tu commençais

il/elle/on commençait

nous commencions

vous commenciez

ils/elles commençaient

 

NB. The endings for the imperfect tense are always the same.

 

TW
Answered by Thomas W. French tutor

6659 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Est-ce que tu aimes le sport? Si oui, lequel en particulier?


Décris une journée typique.


How do you construct the perfect tense for verbs that take avoir?


Can you suggest any useful resources for listening and/or reading practice?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning