Conjugate semi-regular -cer verbs in the imperfect tense in French (L'Imparfait)

In L'Imparfait (Indicatif), almost all verbs follow the same pattern, but verbs ending in -cer* require a slight spelling change to accommodate the soft "c":

The letter ç ('c cedilla') is used in most cases except where an i already keeps the c sounding soft.

Conjugation of LANCER (to throw) in L'Imparfait (Indicatif) in French

je lançais
tu lançais
il/elle/on lançait
nous lancions
vous lanciez
ils/elles lançaient

* Here are other -cer verbs which follow that pattern:

lancer (to throw)
commencer (to begin)
placer (to place)
remplacer (to replace)
prononcer (to pronounce)
renoncer (to give up) 
menacer (to threaten)
bercer (to rock)
annoncer (to announce)
influencer (to influence)
sucer (to suck)
avancer (to go forward / to advance)
etc 


Listen to some examples:

Je plaçais le vase sur la table.I was placing the vase on the table.

Tu prononçais toujours mal ce mot.You always mispronounced this word.

Le film commençait à 9 heures.The film used to start at 9.

Nous commencions à nous ennuyer.We were starting to get bored.

Vous suciez votre pouce quand vous étiez petits.You used to suck your thumbs when you were small.

Ils lançaient des cailloux.They were throwing rocks.
 

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 Brainmap today »

Learn more about these related French grammar topics

Examples and resources

Le film commençait à 9 heures.The film used to start at 9.
Ils lançaient des cailloux.They were throwing rocks.
Je plaçais le vase sur la table.I was placing the vase on the table.
Nous commencions à nous ennuyer.We were starting to get bored.
Vous suciez votre pouce quand vous étiez petits.You used to suck your thumbs when you were small.
Tu prononçais toujours mal ce mot.You always mispronounced this word.
Clever stuff happening!