Passe Compose vs Imparfait

Natasha R.B2Kwiziq community member

Passe Compose vs Imparfait

I don't understand why these are both correct, but one's in the passe compose and the other is in the imparfait.

En 2004, j'avais de l'argent.
In 2004, I had money.

En 1815, Napoléon a perdu la bataille de Waterloo.
In 1815, Napoleon lost the battle of Waterloo.

Is it because Napoleon only lost the battle one time, but we can assume I had money for the whole of 2004.

Asked 3 years ago
CélineKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Bonjour Natasha,

Well done! That’s right.

En 1815, Napoléon a perdu la bataille de Waterloo.

→ Passé-Composé = a completed action that happened once (in 1815)

 

En 2004, j’avais de l’argent

→ L’Imparfait = stating a fact / describing a situation that was ongoing in 2004.

Similar example:

En 2004, j’avais les cheveux longs = In 2004, I had long hair

 

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Correct. The imperfect emphasizes the fact that you were out of money all of 2004.

Passe Compose vs Imparfait

I don't understand why these are both correct, but one's in the passe compose and the other is in the imparfait.

En 2004, j'avais de l'argent.
In 2004, I had money.

En 1815, Napoléon a perdu la bataille de Waterloo.
In 1815, Napoleon lost the battle of Waterloo.

Is it because Napoleon only lost the battle one time, but we can assume I had money for the whole of 2004.

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