Grammar
Passé Composé vs Imparfait: How to Know Which One to Use
Understand the difference between passé composé and imparfait with a practical way to decide which tense fits the situation.
The classic explanation is that passé composé is for completed actions and imparfait is for descriptions. That is useful, but it is not enough. The better question is: what role does the verb play in the story?
Passé composé moves the story
Use the passé composé for events that advance the sequence: something happened, then something else happened.
Imparfait sets the scene
Use the imparfait for background, habits, ongoing situations and descriptions that frame the main events.
They often work together
The two tenses are frequently partners. The imparfait gives the background; the passé composé introduces the event.
A practical test
- Am I describing the situation or background? → often imparfait.
- Am I presenting a specific event that advances the story? → often passé composé.
- Is it a habit in the past? → often imparfait.
- Is it a completed event with a clear place in the sequence? → often passé composé.
These are decision aids, not absolute rules. Context still matters.
Practice
Suggested answer: Quand j’habitais…, je prenais… Un matin, j’ai vu…
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