When should you use the 'imperfect' tense vs 'passé composé'?

The imperfect is used for description or to emphasise that what you are describing 'used' to happen but no longer does. e.g. quand j'étais jeune, j'avais les cheveux bruns. The passé composé is used to describe one off actions that happen 'immediately' and then stops. e.g. j'ai couru par les couloirs étroites.

AH
Answered by Alice H. French tutor

1612 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain the flow of blood through the human heart.


When do I have to use être and when do I have to use avoir with the perfect tense?


What's the difference between the passé composé and imperfect tense?


How is the past tense formulated in French?


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