How to Use the French Imperfect Tense: A Complete Guide

The French imperfect tense, or "l'imparfait," is a crucial aspect of French grammar that every learner must master.

This versatile tense allows you to describe past actions, habits, and states of being with nuance and precision.

What is the French Imperfect Tense?

The imperfect tense in French is used to describe ongoing or repeated actions in the past. It's often equivalent to "was" or "was ___-ing" in English. Understanding when to use this tense is key to expressing yourself accurately in French.

When to Use the Imperfect Tense

Describing Past Situations

Use the imperfect for descriptions of age, feelings, weather, and other states in the past.

Example:

• Il pleuvait quand je suis arrivé. (It was raining when I arrived.)
• J'avais dix ans quand nous avons déménagé. (I was ten years old when we moved.)

Habitual Actions in the Past

For actions that occurred regularly in the past, the imperfect is your go-to tense.

Example:

• Chaque été, nous allions à la plage. (Every summer, we would go to the beach.)

Ongoing Actions with No Specific End

When describing actions that were in progress without a clear endpoint, use the imperfect.

Example:

• Je lisais un livre quand le téléphone a sonné. (I was reading a book when the phone rang.)

Forming the Imperfect Tense

To form the imperfect, follow these steps:

1. Take the "nous" form of the present tense
2. Remove the -ons ending
3. Add the imperfect endings: -ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient

Example with "parler" (to speak):

• Je parlais (I was speaking)
• Tu parlais (You were speaking)
• Il/Elle/On parlait (He/She/One was speaking)
• Nous parlions (We were speaking)
• Vous parliez (You were speaking)
• Ils/Elles parlaient (They were speaking)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Confusing Imperfect with Passé Composé

Remember, the imperfect is for ongoing or habitual actions, while the passé composé is for completed actions.

Incorrect: J'ai allé au parc chaque dimanche. (I went to the park every Sunday.) Correct: J'allais au parc chaque dimanche. (I used to go to the park every Sunday.)

Using "Would" as a Translation Cue

While "would" can sometimes indicate the imperfect in English, it's not always the case. Be cautious and consider the context.

Practice Makes Perfect

To truly master the French imperfect, regular practice is essential. Try these exercises:

1. Describe your childhood using the imperfect
2. Narrate a story, using imperfect for background and passé composé for main events
3. Translate English sentences with "used to" into French

Conclusion

The French imperfect tense is a powerful tool for expressing past actions and states.

With practice and understanding, you'll soon be using it confidently in your French conversations.