Imparfait vs passé composé

JohnC1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Imparfait vs passé composé

The word "toujours" is confusing here. Why doesn't Bastien respond in the imperfect to express his habitual actions and say "je faisais toujours comme ça"  instead of saying "j'ai toujours fait comme ça..."? He has "always" left his clothes on the floor and still intends to do so.  Shouldn't this scenario be expressed by the imperfect? Thanks for any help.

Asked 3 years ago
CécileKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Hi John,

Here, it is because if he had said -

"Je faisais toujours comme ça "

it could be construed as it being what he 'used to do' but doesn't do anymore which isn't what is meant here.

Hope this helps!

Imparfait vs passé composé

The word "toujours" is confusing here. Why doesn't Bastien respond in the imperfect to express his habitual actions and say "je faisais toujours comme ça"  instead of saying "j'ai toujours fait comme ça..."? He has "always" left his clothes on the floor and still intends to do so.  Shouldn't this scenario be expressed by the imperfect? Thanks for any help.

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Thinking...