This is weird! I type and it shows blank!

Question

Now I cannot figure out "plus-que-parfait"! Even J'avais is "I had"!

So, how do I know if it is "J'avais" or "J'ai eu" that has to be used?

Sorry, just cannot find the answer!

Accepted Answer

Yes, in English you would translate both -- "avais" and "ai eu" -- with "had". However, if you want to form the plus-que-parfait you need to follow its rules and regulations. One of which is that it is formed using "avoir" or "être" in their imparfait form, followed by the past participle. You can never form the plus-que-parfait with "avoir + eu + past parciciple".
Quand tu m'as appelé, je l'avais déjà prévu. -- When you called me, I had it already planned. (Plus-que-parfait)J'ai eu un coup de faiblesse. -- I had an attack of weakness. (Passé composé)J'avais eu un coup de faiblesse. -- I had had an attack of weakness. (Plus-que-parfait)J'avais un coup de faiblesse. -- I had an attack of weakness. (Imparfait, carrying the connotation that this happened repeatedly over a period of time).
I hope this helps, -- Chris (not a native speaker).

Answer

Bonjour !
To complete Chris' answer, here are links to our related glossary lessons on Plus-que-Parfait, Passé Composé and Imparfait :)
https://french.kwiziq.com/revision/glossary/verb-tense-mood/the-french-pluperfect-le-plus-que-parfaithttps://french.kwiziq.com/revision/glossary/verb-tense-mood/the-french-simple-past-le-passe-composehttps://french.kwiziq.com/revision/glossary/verb-tense-mood/the-french-continuous-past-and-past-habit-l-imparfait
I hope that's helpful!À bientôt !

Answer

Thank you Chris and Aurelie.
Trying not to get lost :)

Answer

The pluperfect is used to describe events that happen before other events.