Notes les octobre Le passé composé vs. l’imparfait (Partie 2) The most important things to remember with regard to the imparfait and the passé composé are the following:

The imparfait expresses ongoing or habitual actions in the past. Il pleuvait ce matin. It was raining this morning. (ongoing action) Nous allions souvent au cinéma le weekend. We would often go to the movies on weekends. (habitual action)

The passé composé expresses actions that are considered complete in the past. It never expresses an ongoing or habitual action. J’ai fait mes devoirs à la bibliothèque hier. I did my homework at the library yesterday. (completed action) Le prof est arrivé en retard aujourd’hui. The teacher arrived late today. (completed action)

The imparfait and passé composé are often used together to express what was going on when an event took place. Il pleuvait et il faisait froid quand nous sommes arrivés. It was raining and it was cold when we arrived. Je parlais avec ma mère quand le téléphone a sonné. I was talking with my mother when the telephone rang.

Vivre is a verb that is often used in the past tense. vivre (to live) je visnous vivons tu visvous vivez il/elle/on vitils/elles vivent participe passé: vécu Est-ce que tu as vécu dans un autre pays? Have you lived in another country? Non, je n’ai jamais vécu dans un autre pays, No, I’ve never lived in another country.