Passé Composé vs. Imparfait. The most difficult battle in French grammar.
Setting the scene.
"It was raining..." (Il pleuvait)
"I was sleeping..." (Je dormais)
Specific action.
"Suddenly, he entered." (Il est entré)
"The phone rang." (Le téléphone a sonné)
I was sleeping (Imparfait - Long action) when the phone rang (Passé Composé - Interruption).
We were eating when he arrived.
A witness explains what happened.
Que faisiez-vous hier soir à 20h00 ?
(What were you doing last night at 8:00 PM?)Je regardais la télé tranquilement...
(I was watching TV quietly...)Et ensuite ?
(And then?)Soudain, j'ai entendu un bruit terrible !
(Suddenly, I heard a terrible noise!)"Les Faits Divers" (Miscellaneous Events) is a popular section in French newspapers covering accidents, crimes, and unusual stories. It's the perfect place to see the battle between Imparfait (setting the scene) and Passé Composé (the dramatic event).
Click the gaps to toggle between Imparfait and Passé Composé.
Hier soir, il faisait (faire) beau. Je regardais (regarder) la télé quand, tout à coup, mon ami téléphonait (téléphoner). Il disait (dire) qu'il avait une surprise.
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