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Mastering the Imperfect Tense in French: Describing Past Actions

Learn how to effectively use the imperfect tense in French to describe what someone was doing or used to do. This tense is formed using three components: a subject, the verb stem, and the correct endings. Start by identifying the infinitive, finding the present tense nous form, and removing the -ons ending to create the stem. The only exception is the verb "être" (to be), which takes the stem "ét". With clear examples and useful tips, this guide will help you navigate the imperfect tense with confidence.

chloe-foley
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Mastering the Imperfect Tense in French: Describing Past Actions

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  1. The Imperfect Tense - saying what someone was doing

  2. Use: • to say was doing or used to do Form • you need 3 things: • a subject • the stem • the correct ending

  3. To form the stem: • decide on the infinitive you need • find the present tense of this verb • take the nous part • remove the –ons ending For example: allerallonsall

  4. ais ais ait ions iez aient Now add the correct endings: je tu il / elle/ on nous vous ils/ elles

  5. The only exception is… être êtrenous sommes BUT stem = ét For example: j’étais – I was vous étiez – you were ils étaient – they were

  6. Some examples • I was doing – je faisais • he was dancing – il dansait • they were eating – ils mangeaient • we were finishing – nous finissions • you were selling – vous vendiez

  7. A sneaky tip… • For many –er and -re verbs you can simply remove the infinitive ending and then add the imperfect endings. • BUT for –ir verbs you must add an -iss je vendais je regardais je finissais For example: vendre regarder finir

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