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

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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?

Like01 year ago

L asked:View original

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

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