The Imperfect tense (Imparfait) is very easy to conjugate in French as MOST verbs follow the same pattern of conjugation (EXCEPT for être - Conjugate être in L'Imparfait (imperfect tense))
Look at these examples of verbs in Imparfait:
How to form the Imparfait
1. Take the nous form of the verb in Présent indicatif
2. Drop the -ons ending
3. Add the following endings
je / j' | -ais |
tu | -ais |
il/elle/on | -ait |
nous | -ions |
vous | -iez |
ils/elles | -aient |
Examples :
- parler : nous parlons (we are talking) -> je parlais
- finir : nous finissons (we are finishing) -> je finissais
- faire : nous faisons (we are doing) -> je faisais
- prendre : nous prenons (we are taking) -> je prenais
When to use the French Imperfect Tense (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)
Want to make sure your French sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Braimap today »
Learn more about these related French grammar topics
Examples and resources



