French Imperfect Tense: Childhood Memories

L'imparfait Describing Past Habits and Ongoing Actions Grade 11 French

What is L'imparfait?

The imperfect tense describes ongoing past actions Used for habits and routines in the past Translates to 'used to' or 'was/were doing' Different from passé composé (completed actions)

L'imparfait Formation Chart

Key Verbs in L'imparfait

être → j'étais (I was/used to be) avoir → j'avais (I had/used to have) faire → je faisais (I did/used to do) aller → j'allais (I went/used to go) venir → je venais (I came/used to come)

Memory Lane Activity

Partner up with a classmate Ask: 'Quand tu étais petit(e), que faisais-tu le weekend?' Answer using l'imparfait verbs Switch roles and continue the conversation

Present vs. Imperfect

{"left":"Je parle français (I speak French)\nJe parlais français (I used to speak/was speaking French)\nNous faisons nos devoirs (We do our homework)","right":"Nous faisions nos devoirs (We used to do/were doing our homework)\nIl va à l'école (He goes to school)\nIl allait à l'école (He used to go/was going to school)"}

Quick Check: Which sentence uses l'imparfait correctly?

A) Hier, je mange une pomme B) Quand j'étais jeune, je mangeais des pommes C) Demain, je mangerai une pomme Answer: B - describes a past habit

Your Childhood Memories Project

Create a poster or digital slideshow Use at least 10 verbs in l'imparfait Describe your childhood habits and routines Include drawings or photos with French captions Present one sentence to the class