In the adventures of Fantôme this week, we were to translate "How many times Ii dreamt of being her" and the correct response was in the passé composé

Ann H.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

In the adventures of Fantôme this week, we were to translate "How many times Ii dreamt of being her" and the correct response was in the passé composé

but isn't this a habituel motion? I used imparfait.
Asked 6 years ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Hi Ann,

in this case you would use passé composé in French. If you used the imparfait, it would sound to French ears like "How many times he was dreaming of being her." sounds to English ears. The past continuous form in English doesn't really hit the spot here, just as the imparfait wouldn't in French.

-- Chris (not a native speaker)

Michelle P.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

But the Imparfait is also "Used to" and "How many times he used to dream of being her" sounds perfectly fine? I don't think I quite understand. 

In the adventures of Fantôme this week, we were to translate "How many times Ii dreamt of being her" and the correct response was in the passé composé

but isn't this a habituel motion? I used imparfait.

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