Why passe compose

Alexandra B.A2Kwiziq community member

Why passe compose

"Nous avons joué aux cartes, comme d'habitude"


Why do i not use l'imperfait in this sentence. Its a habit? So i use the imperfait?

Asked 11 months ago
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Lexi, the main reference here is to a single ‘event’ of playing cards on the day in question, so passé composé is correct even though it is also ‘part of a habit’. The speaker notes the habit but highlights this ‘episode’

The attached is a very good practical overview of the uses of passé composé and imparfait, with a couple of good simple videos to highlight. 

Clearly, there are ‘rules’ around the use of the 2 tenses, but you will (gradually) develop a feel for which to use in most circumstances. 

Importantly the tense used also conveys meaning - as in this example where the speaker is highlighting that this particular playing of cards was an ‘event’ of note.

 https://www.frenchtoday.com/blog/french-verb-conjugation/passe-compose-versus-imparfait/

Why passe compose

"Nous avons joué aux cartes, comme d'habitude"


Why do i not use l'imperfait in this sentence. Its a habit? So i use the imperfait?

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