In L'Imparfait, almost all the verbs follow the same pattern of conjugation. See Conjugate regular verbs in L'Imparfait (imperfect tense).
However (as usual!), the verb être (to be) is slightly irregular.
Have a look:
Note that the irregular stem ét- (and NOT êt-) is followed by the regular Imparfait endings:
je / j' | -ais |
tu | -ais |
il/elle/on | -ait |
nous | -ions |
vous | -iez |
ils/elles | -aient |
Notice that L'imparfait is used in a variety of ways where we use very different tenses in English!
When to use the French Imperfect Tense (L'Imparfait)
Expressing continuing action in L'Imparfait (imperfect tense)
Expressing habits or repeated actions in L'Imparfait (imperfect tense)
Describing and expressing opinions in L'Imparfait (imperfect tense)
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