For "And I've worked in the same town...", I put "J'ai travaillé dans the la même ville..." but the correct answer is given as "Et je travaille dans la même ville...".
Why is the present conjugation of travailler used instead of the compound tense?
Why the present tense and not the compound tense?
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Alex P.Kwiziq community member
Why the present tense and not the compound tense?
This question relates to:French writing exercise "Profession: G.P. [US: family doctor]"
Asked 8 months ago
Alex, the first link below is to the lesson to review on this topic.
As Jim notes, French and English tenses are different and do not necessarily align.
For completeness, the lesson on use in the negative, when passé composé is indicated.
Jim J. Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
Bonjour Alex,
I agree that the translation from English will lead you to expect "I have worked ..." but this is not a completed past action (passé composé). The doctor is currently employed and continuing to carry out the tasks required in his daily routine. This is why I see "Et je travaille dans la même ville .." as being appropriate.
Hope this helps.
Bonne continuation.
Jim
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