Imparfait: When and How to Use It
In the previous lesson, you learned how to form the imparfait. Now it is time to explore when and why to use it. Understanding the imparfait's functions is essential because it is always contrasted with the passé composé.
The Seven Key Uses of the Imparfait
1. Habitual or Repeated Past Actions
The imparfait describes actions that happened regularly in the past — things you "used to do":
- Quand j'étais au lycée, j'étudiais tous les soirs. — When I was in high school, I studied every evening.
- Ma grand-mère faisait toujours un gâteau le dimanche. — My grandmother always made a cake on Sundays.
2. Ongoing Background Actions
The imparfait describes what was happening when something else occurred:
- Je dormais quand tu as appelé. — I was sleeping when you called.
- Il pleuvait quand nous sommes arrivés. — It was raining when we arrived.
3. Descriptions of People, Places, and Things
The imparfait is the tense for setting the scene:
- La maison était vieille et avait un grand jardin. — The house was old and had a big garden.
- Il portait un chapeau noir. — He was wearing a black hat.
4. States of Mind, Feelings, and Emotions
- J'avais peur du noir. — I was afraid of the dark.
- Elle était contente de son résultat. — She was happy with her result.
- Il pensait que c'était une bonne idée. — He thought it was a good idea.
5. Age, Time, Date, and Weather
- J'avais dix ans quand nous avons déménagé. — I was ten when we moved.
- Il était trois heures de l'après-midi. — It was three in the afternoon.
- Il faisait chaud et il n'y avait pas de vent. — It was hot and there was no wind.
6. Two Simultaneous Ongoing Actions
- Pendant que je lisais, elle écoutait de la musique. — While I was reading, she was listening to music.
- Il chantait et elle dansait. — He was singing and she was dancing.
7. Polite Requests and Softened Statements
- Je voulais vous demander un service. — I wanted to ask you a favour. (more polite than je veux)
- Vous aviez une question ? — Did you have a question?
Imparfait vs. Passé Composé: A Side-by-Side Comparison