can pendant be used for duration in the past using imparfait eg J'etudiais le francais pendant 2 ans

LA0Kwiziq community member

can pendant be used for duration in the past using imparfait eg J'etudiais le francais pendant 2 ans

This question relates to:French lesson "Using 'depuis' (since / for) with Le Présent and NOT Le Passé Composé (prepositions of time)"

Asked 2 years ago

Like0Answer3

CécileKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Hi L,

No, you cannot say, 'J'étudiais le français pendant deux ans.' as it lasted two years in now finished, the only possibility is-

'J'ai étudié le français pendant deux ans.'

Like12 years ago

ChrisC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Pendant, in this context, refers to a well defined period in the past. Therefore I would say:

J'ai étudié le français pendant deux ans.

I don't think there is a rule forbidding the use of imparfait in conjunction with pendant. It's just that in this example, I would use the passé composé.

The opinion of a native speaker would be greatly appreciated, though.

Like02 years ago

JoanA1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Can we use l'imparfait with pendant?

Like02 years ago

L asked:View original

can pendant be used for duration in the past using imparfait eg J'etudiais le francais pendant 2 ans

Don't have an account yet? Join today

« une fois deux / un multiplié par deux il y a une semaine, j'ai vu un film. Is this the typical way of saying this. In English, we would typically reverse the order-I saw a film a week ago »

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level