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Passé composé vs Imparfait

Thanh Tân T.B2Kwiziq community member

Passé composé vs Imparfait

I thought this one is the other way around "Quand elle est arrivée dans le jardin de sa mère, elle ne pouvait pas en croire ses yeux ! Because "arriver" should be in "imparfait" and "croire" is the action that interrupts the ongoing situation. Please explain to me.
This question relates to:French writing exercise "Beatrice's baby shower"

Freeform Writing Exercise B1

Asked 2 years ago
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Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Hi Thanh Tân,

Beatrice had already discussed then dismissed the idea of a party.

Her arrival into her mother's garden is a completed action therefore passé composé is appropriate.

However on seeing what had been done for her she was unable (imparfait) to BELIEVE HER EYES.    "en croire ses yeux"

Hope this helps.

Bonne continuation

Jim

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Thanh Tân T. asked:

Passé composé vs Imparfait

I thought this one is the other way around "Quand elle est arrivée dans le jardin de sa mère, elle ne pouvait pas en croire ses yeux ! Because "arriver" should be in "imparfait" and "croire" is the action that interrupts the ongoing situation. Please explain to me.

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