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.
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
Q1.Match the imperfect tense ending to the subject pronoun.
-ais
-ait
-ions
-iez
-aient
Q2.Which words in French have a silent final consonant?
Q3.Put the words in order to make a French sentence.
Q4.Select the subject pronouns whose imperfect verb endings sound alike.
Q5.Using the 'nous' pronoun, what is the translation of 'we used to eat'?
Q6.Match the vocabulary together.
I agree with
owner
support
to define, defining
he knows
donation, gift, talent
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Choose the correct translations of 'nous parlions'.
Q2.What is the imperfect ending for 'ils, elles'?
Q3.What is the name given to the phonics feature common to -ais and -ait?
Q4.Translate: when I was small, I used to dance each weekend.
Q5.Match the vocabulary.
to inform, informing
cooperation
able, capable
piece, room, play
the best
explanation