imparfait vs passé composé

C. P.C1Kwiziq community member

imparfait vs passé composé

Why does the text switch from imparfait to passé composé here:

Nous étions vraiment désolés. Nous nous sommes excusés

Asked 7 months ago
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Colin to me this can be explained by -

' we were sorry ' - a state of being, a feeling or an emotion,  not a specific action or event but something that was ' ongoing ', starting before they apologised and continuing for some uncertain time after  -  imparfait

' we apologised ' - a specific event/action, passé composé - the apology was given, done and dusted

Expressing continuing action with the imperfect tense in French (L'Imparfait)

C. P. asked:View original

imparfait vs passé composé

Why does the text switch from imparfait to passé composé here:

Nous étions vraiment désolés. Nous nous sommes excusés

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
I'll be right with you...