Learning Materials
Features
Discover
The Imparfait, or Imperfect Tense, in French is essential for conveying past events that were ongoing or habitual, creating a vivid backdrop to narratives. Its formation requires understanding the stem of the present tense nous form of the verb (minus the -ons) and adding the appropriate endings (-ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient), making it a foundational aspect of French grammar to master. By associating its usage with ongoing actions, descriptions, or repeated events in the past, students can more easily recall and apply the Imparfait in their French language endeavors.
Millions of flashcards designed to help you ace your studies
Sign up for freeHow do you find the stem for conjugating regular verbs in the imparfait?
What is the primary use of the imparfait tense in French?
Are imparfait endings for irregular verbs different from regular verbs?
What's the main difference between passe compose and imparfait?
How is the imparfait tense formed in French?
In what way does the imparfait enhance storytelling?
What role does 'aller' serve in the imparfait?
When should the imparfait be used in French sentences?
What are the correct imparfait endings for regular verbs?
How is 'avoir' used in the imparfait?
How is the imparfait effectively used in crafting descriptions?
How do you find the stem for conjugating regular verbs in the imparfait?
What is the primary use of the imparfait tense in French?
Are imparfait endings for irregular verbs different from regular verbs?
What's the main difference between passe compose and imparfait?
How is the imparfait tense formed in French?
In what way does the imparfait enhance storytelling?
What role does 'aller' serve in the imparfait?
When should the imparfait be used in French sentences?
What are the correct imparfait endings for regular verbs?
How is 'avoir' used in the imparfait?
How is the imparfait effectively used in crafting descriptions?
Achieve better grades quicker with Premium
Geld-zurück-Garantie, wenn du durch die Prüfung fällst
Did you know that StudySmarter supports you beyond learning?
Review generated flashcards
Start learning or create your own AI flashcards
Team Imparfait Teachers
Learning French involves understanding various tenses that express different aspects of time, mood, and action. Among these, the imparfait, or the imperfect tense, is particularly noteworthy for its ability to paint pictures of the past in a nuanced and rich manner. This section will guide you through the basics of imparfait conjugation, highlight the key differences between passe compose and imparfait, and explain when to use imparfait in French sentences.
The imparfait is used in French to describe past actions or situations that are ongoing or repeated, or to set the scene in narrative past. It is formed by taking the nous form of the present tense of the verb (minus the -ons ending), and adding the imparfait endings:
| Verb | Nous form in Present | Stem for Imparfait | Imparfait Endings |
| Parler (to talk) | nous parlons | parl- | -ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient |
| Finir (to finish) | nous finissons | finiss- | -ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient |
| Vendre (to sell) | nous vendons | vend- | -ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient |
Remember, unlike in English, spelling changes in the stem can affect the entire conjugation pattern in French!
It's interesting to note that the imparfait endings are the same for all verbs regardless of their group, making it one of the easier tenses to learn in French. This uniformity helps in quickly mastering the tense for a broad range of verbs.
Understanding when to use the passe compose versus the imparfait can be one of the more challenging aspects for students learning French. Here are the core differences between the two:
Passe compose: Expresses specific, completed actions in the past that occurred once or were of limited duration.Imparfait: Describes ongoing, habitual, or repeated past actions, states of being, or background details in narratives.
A helpful way to distinguish between the two is to associate passe compose with the English simple past (I ate), and imparfait with the past continuous (I was eating). While this comparison is not perfect due to differences in usage between the two languages, it provides a good starting point for understanding.
The imparfait has distinct functions in French that guide when it should be used in sentences. These include:
The imparfait can also be used for polite expressions of desire or possibility, such as in the sentence, Je voulais vous demander quelque chose. (I wanted to ask you something.)
Getting to grips with the imparfait can significantly enhance your ability to describe past events, habits, or situations in French. A solid understanding of imparfait endings for regular and irregular verbs will equip you with the skills to narrate stories and express thoughts more vividly in French. This segment focuses on mastering the imparfait endings for both regular and irregular verbs.
The imparfait is notably consistent in its conjugation patterns, especially for regular verbs. This consistency makes it one of the easier tenses to master in French. Below is a guide on applying the correct imparfait endings to regular verbs:
Imparfait Endings for Regular Verbs: -ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient
| Parler (to speak) | Nous parlons | Parl- | Parlais, parlais, parlait, parlions, parliez, parlaient |
| Finir (to finish) | Nous finissons | Finiss- | Finissais, finissais, finissait, finissions, finissiez, finissaient |
| Attendre (to wait) | Nous attendons | Attend- | Attendais, attendais, attendait, attendions, attendiez, attendaient |
A helpful hint to remember is that the imparfait endings are the same across all regular verbs, which simplifies learning how to conjugate in this mood.
While the term 'irregular verbs' might seem daunting, the good news is that for the imparfait, even verbs that are irregular in other tenses become more predictable. There's a key insight to keep in mind which simplifies this:
Irregular Verbs in the Imparfait: Even irregular verbs in other tenses follow the same imparfait endings as regular verbs. The stem might change based on the verb, but the endings remain consistent.
It's fascinating to consider that the imparfait, despite its name suggesting imperfection, offers a surprisingly unified method of conjugation even for verbs that typically behave unpredictably in other tenses. This element of predictability makes the imparfait an accessible aspect of French grammar for learners at all stages.
Remember, even with verbs like 'être,' which is notoriously irregular, the imparfait maintains a consistent pattern, making it easier than expected to conjugate irregular verbs in this tense.
Familiarity with the key verbs 'être', 'avoir', and 'aller' in their imparfait forms is essential for effectively conveying past actions, states, and movements in French. A closer examination of each verb reveals unique nuances and uses that enrich narrative and descriptive abilities in the language. This section explores the conjugation and applications of these fundamental verbs in the context of the imparfait.
The verb être (to be) in the imparfait offers a foundation for describing states and conditions in the past. It is unique among French verbs for its irregularities in other tenses, yet its conjugation in the imparfait follows a predictable pattern.
Etre Imparfait Conjugation: J'étais, tu étais, il/elle/on était, nous étions, vous étiez, ils/elles étaient
Using être in the imparfait can vividly set scenes and describe past conditions:
The verb être serves as an auxiliary verb in compound tenses, but in the imparfait, it stands alone to describe past states or conditions.
The verb avoir (to have) in the imparfait is principally used to express possession, but also plays a critical role as an auxiliary verb for constructing compound past tenses. Its imparfait form is regular, making it straightforward to conjugate.
Avoir Imparfait Conjugation: J'avais, tu avais, il/elle/on avait, nous avions, vous aviez, ils/elles avaient
Avoir in the imparfait illustrates possession or experiences in the past:
Avoir is used as an auxiliary verb in compound tenses such as the plus-que-parfait, which also employs the imparfait conjugation of avoir.
The verb aller (to go) is dynamic, encapsulating movement and transitions in the past. Despite its role in expressions of future actions (using the futur proche), in the imparfait, aller vividly portrays past movements or intentions.
Aller Imparfait Conjugation: J'allais, tu allais, il/elle/on allait, nous allions, vous alliez, ils/elles allaient
Aller in the imparfait can depict routine movements or plans that were in place in the past:
Remember, aller is also used to form the futur proche in the present tense (e.g., Je vais parler), but in the imparfait, it emphasizes ongoing or habitual actions in the past.
The imparfait tense in French is a versatile tool that allows for rich descriptions of ongoing or repeated past events, conditions, or habits. It is particularly useful in storytelling, sharing personal experiences, and crafting detailed descriptions. Understanding how to apply the imparfait in real-life contexts can greatly enhance your ability to communicate in French with depth and nuance.
Crafting descriptions using the imparfait involves painting a picture of past scenarios with vivid detail. It is particularly effective for setting backgrounds, describing past routines, and illustrating scenes fully.
Imagine describing a childhood home:
Use the imparfait to add depth to descriptions, focusing on the senses to bring past scenes to life.
Imparfait is invaluable for sharing past experiences, allowing you to express habitual actions or ongoing situations in the past. This nuance adds a layer of depth to personal stories, making them more relatable and vivid.
Describing a past summer job:
When sharing experiences, the imparfait is used to express actions or state that were routine, customary, or incomplete in the past.
In storytelling, the imparfait sets the scene for events, building suspense or background before the action unfolds. It provides a temporal backdrop, making the narrative richer and more engaging.
Setting the stage in a story:
Leverage the imparfait to evoke a sense of time and place, laying the groundwork for more complex narratives or actions described in other tenses.
Sign up for free to gain access to all our flashcards.
At StudySmarter, we have created a learning platform that serves millions of students. Meet the people who work hard to deliver fact based content as well as making sure it is verified.
Lily Hulatt is a Digital Content Specialist with over three years of experience in content strategy and curriculum design. She gained her PhD in English Literature from Durham University in 2022, taught in Durham University’s English Studies Department, and has contributed to a number of publications. Lily specialises in English Literature, English Language, History, and Philosophy.
Get to know Lily
Gabriel Freitas is an AI Engineer with a solid experience in software development, machine learning algorithms, and generative AI, including large language models’ (LLMs) applications. Graduated in Electrical Engineering at the University of São Paulo, he is currently pursuing an MSc in Computer Engineering at the University of Campinas, specializing in machine learning topics. Gabriel has a strong background in software engineering and has worked on projects involving computer vision, embedded AI, and LLM applications.
Get to know Gabriel
StudySmarter is a globally recognized educational technology company, offering a holistic learning platform designed for students of all ages and educational levels. Our platform provides learning support for a wide range of subjects, including STEM, Social Sciences, and Languages and also helps students to successfully master various tests and exams worldwide, such as GCSE, A Level, SAT, ACT, Abitur, and more. We offer an extensive library of learning materials, including interactive flashcards, comprehensive textbook solutions, and detailed explanations. The cutting-edge technology and tools we provide help students create their own learning materials. StudySmarter’s content is not only expert-verified but also regularly updated to ensure accuracy and relevance.
Learn moreSave explanations to your personalised space and access them anytime, anywhere!
Sign up with Email Sign up with AppleBy signing up, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policy of StudySmarter.
Already have an account? Log in
Sign up to highlight and take notes. It’s 100% free.
Explanations 
Flashcards 
StudySmarter AI 
Notes 
Study Plans 
Study Sets 
Exams 
Find a job 
Student Deals 
Magazine 
Mobile App 
