How do you know when to use the imperfect tense and when to use the perfect tense?

Simply, the imperfect tense is used to convey an action in the past that was taking place over a period of time e.g. 'Je regardais la télé' = 'I was watching TV' - the act of watching TV was not instantaneous. On the other hand, the perfect tense is used to convey a finished action in the past e.g. 'J'ai vu Paul' = 'I saw Paul' - the act of catching sight of Paul IS instantaneous and completed immediately.

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Answered by George E. French tutor

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What is the future tense conjugation of the verb "être", translated as 'to be', in French? List the appropriate conjugation.


Translate: For my holiday last year, I went to Spain with my family. It was fun because we went to the beach and swam in the sea. I especially loved the food. I would like to go to Spain again, but next summer, I think I’m going to France with my friends.


décrivez vos vacances idéales


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