Quand j'étais petit : the imperfect tense with regular verbs ('used to')
I can describe what I and others used to do when we were younger using the imperfect tense of regular verbs.
Quand j'étais petit : the imperfect tense with regular verbs ('used to')
I can describe what I and others used to do when we were younger using the imperfect tense of regular verbs.
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Lesson details
Vocabulary and transcripts for this lessons
Key learning points
- The imperfect tense is used to describe what you 'used to' do when you were younger/in the past.
- For imperfect of regular verbs remove -ons from 'nous' present tense and add:-ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient
- Most final consonants are silent, and this is important in imperfect verb endings e.g. -ais, -ait
Keywords
Imperfect tense - tense used to describe how things were or used to be in the past, or to say what was happening
Common misconception
The imperfect tense is only translated by 'was doing' in English e.g. I was listening to the radio.
The imperfect tense has more than one translation in English according to its use in French. Students need to be aware of the different meanings that might be conveyed when they encounter the imperfect tense e.g. I listened, I used to listen.
Equipment
Mini whiteboards and pens are useful if available.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
-ais
-ait
-ions
-iez
-aient
I agree with
owner
support
to define, defining
he knows
donation, gift, talent
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
to inform, informing
cooperation
able, capable
piece, room, play
the best
explanation