Mastering the Imperfect Tense: Usage Beyond the Basics
The French imperfect tense (imparfait) is essential for describing past events, setting the scene, and expressing habitual actions. Unlike the passé composé, which focuses on completed actions, the imparfait conveys background details, ongoing events, and repeated past actions. However, many learners struggle with when and how to use this tense effectively, especially in contrast with other past tenses.
In this guide, we’ll break down the imperfect tense beyond the basics, covering conjugation, usage, and key differences with the passé composé. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to use imparfait naturally in conversations.
What Is the Imperfect Tense?
The imperfect tense (imparfait) is a past tense used to describe ongoing or repeated actions in the past, set the background of a story, and express emotions or states of being. Unlike the passé composé, which focuses on completed events, imparfait is used for descriptions and past habits.
Examples:
Quand j’étais enfant, je jouais dans le jardin tous les jours. (When I was a child, I used to play in the garden every day.)
Il pleuvait quand je suis sorti. (It was raining when I went out.)
Elle était heureuse de voir ses amis. (She was happy to see her friends.)
How to Conjugate the Imperfect Tense
To form the imparfait, take the nous form of the verb in the present tense, remove the -ons ending, and add the following endings:
SubjectEndingJe-aisTu-aisIl/Elle/On-aitNous-ionsVous-iezIls/Elles-aient
Regular Verbs
Let’s see how this works with regular verbs:
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, formal/plural)
Ils/Elles parlaient (They were speaking)
Finir (to finish):
Je finissais (I was finishing)
Nous finissions (We were finishing)
Irregular Verbs
Most verbs follow this pattern, but être is an exception:
Être (to be):
J’étais (I was)
Tu étais (You were)
Il/Elle/On était (He/She/One was)
Nous étions (We were)
Vous étiez (You were, formal/plural)
Ils/Elles étaient (They were)
When to Use the Imperfect Tense in French
Describing the Past
The imparfait is perfect for setting the scene in a story.
Il faisait beau et les oiseaux chantaient. (The weather was nice, and the birds were singing.)
Expressing Habits and Repeated Actions
Quand j’étais petit, je lisais beaucoup. (When I was little, I used to read a lot.)
Ongoing Actions in the Past
Used when an action was happening but got interrupted by another.
Je regardais la télé quand le téléphone a sonné. (I was watching TV when the phone rang.)
Expressing Emotions or States of Being
Elle était triste après son départ. (She was sad after he left.)
Imperfect Tense vs. Passé Composé: Key Differences
Use Case Imparfait/Passé Composé
Background descriptions Il faisait froid (It was cold) N/A
Ongoing actions Je dormais (I was sleeping) Il est parti (He left)
Repeated/habitual actions Je jouais au foot chaque dimanche. (I played soccer every Sunday) J’ai joué au foot hier. (I played soccer yesterday)
Common Mistakes to Avoid with the Imperfect Tense
Using passé composé instead of imparfait
Incorrect: Quand j’étais petit, j’ai regardé la télé tous les jours.
Correct: Quand j’étais petit, je regardais la télé tous les jours. (When I was little, I used to watch TV every day.)
Forgetting the exception for être
Incorrect: Je suis étais fatigué.
Correct: J’étais fatigué. (I was tired.)
Overusing imparfait when an action is completed
Incorrect: Hier, il pleuvait et j’ai pris un taxi.
Correct: Hier, il pleuvait et j’ai pris un taxi. (Yesterday, it was raining, so I took a taxi.)
Practical Tips for Mastering the Imperfect Tense
Look for Time Clues
Expressions like autrefois (formerly), souvent (often), chaque jour (every day) often indicate imparfait.
Practice Writing Short Stories
Describe past vacations, childhood memories, or daily routines.
Listen to French Audio
Songs and audiobooks often use imparfait for descriptions.
How Our French Classes Can Help
Learning the imparfait is easier with expert guidance. At Polyglottist Language Academy, we offer:
Grammar-focused lessons to master past tenses
Speaking exercises to practice using imparfait in conversation
Personalized feedback to correct common mistakes
Conclusion & Call to Action
The French imperfect tense is essential for telling stories, describing past events, and expressing emotions. By understanding its rules and practicing regularly, you’ll gain confidence in using it correctly.
If you’re ready to improve your French grammar and fluency, join our French classes at Polyglottist Language Academy for interactive lessons and real-life practice.