How do I know when to use j'ai été rather than j'étais...it's all very confusing
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Kwiziq community member
How do I know when to use j'ai été rather than j'étais...it's all very confusing
This question relates to:French lesson "Conjugate être (+ avoir) in Le Passé Composé (conversational past)"
Asked 2 years ago

Ron Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
Bonjour Susan,
This is a very good question and I thank you for it. I struggle with this myself. Here is the lesson from this site that addresses it:
Using Le Passé Composé on its own or with L'Imparfait
The one way that I remember the difference is this:
1) If I am speaking, I typically use the passé composé. However, if I am writing a paper or paragraph, then both come into play.
2) Writing descriptive phrases, I tend toward l'imparfait but for one time historical events, I use the passé composé.
Having said that, there are very clear-cut grammar rules that address the use of each which should be in the link above for the lesson.
Here is another excellent reference site from the UT Austin French department that addresses the difference:
https://www.laits.utexas.edu/tex/pr/tap8.html
And if neither of these links are satisfactory there are others, simply google search
«passé composé vs imparfait» without the quotation marks.
Bonne chance et bonne continuation dans vos études de français
Ron
Susan asked:View original
How do I know when to use j'ai été rather than j'étais...it's all very confusing
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