« Avec moi » v « chez moi »

Question

I actually had two questions. One was the same as that of Alvine. I thought that the description of past feelings required the imparfait?

My second question is the use of « avec moi » and not « chez moi ». Couldn’t either one be correct? I suppose that « avec moi » indicates that she was staying specifically with and for him, but just wondered if « chez moi » could not have the same connotation?

Thank you!

Mm

Accepted Answer

Hi cornelia, 
1. Here, are two Kwiziq lessons about the use of the imparfait which I hope will help -
Describing and expressing opinions in L'Imparfait (imperfect tense)
Expressing habits or repeated actions in L'Imparfait (imperfect tense)
2. The text says:
She also stayed with me Sunday 
by using 'chez moi' you change what is being said slightly to -
She stayed at mine/at my house/overnight
rather than with me although, it comes back to the same thing I know.
Bonne Continuation !

Answer

Hmm. Thank you, Cécile, but those lessons seem inconclusive on this point. Another way to ask the question: aren’t emotions (être impressionné) very much like opinions? The lesson states that opinions use the imparfait.

Additionally, the lesson stated that “être” is almost always expressed with the imparfait in the past, because it usually is descriptive or expresses an opinion. I would think that would apply to this situation?

Sorry to dwell on this, but I really want to better understand!

Cornelia

Answer

Hi Cornelia, 
My answer to Alvine's question might shed more light on the matter -
https://french.kwiziq.com/questions/view/using-imparfait-and-passe-compose
But as you rightly point out, the verb 'être' is most often found in the imparfait.