Passe Simplé is like...?

Brian E.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Passe Simplé is like...?

Is the Passe Simplé more like Passé Composé in meaning, or more like Imparfait? Or is this comparison just not a useful way to think about it?

Asked 3 years ago
CélineNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Bonjour Brian,

Le Passé Simple has been replaced by Le Passé Composé in spoken French (hence it is a "sort" of equivalent to Le Passé Composé). It is mainly used in written work of fiction. It is very much taught in schools as most French novels use Le Passé Simple. It is also called 'le passé historique' because it helps relate historical past events.

Cette bataille eut lieu en 1515 = this battle took place in 1515

Cette bataille a eu lieu en 1515 = this battle took place in 1515

Here is a link on Le Passé Simple which you might find useful. 

Bonne journée !

Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi Brian,

As I understand it    --  perfect (passé composé). In my experience, French locals use this tense (simple past ) more commonly in normal conversation.

Jim

Passe Simplé is like...?

Is the Passe Simplé more like Passé Composé in meaning, or more like Imparfait? Or is this comparison just not a useful way to think about it?

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...