Is it correct that the imperfect is not used with "depuis"?

N. C.B2KwizIQ community member

Is it correct that the imperfect is not used with "depuis"?

This question relates to:French lesson "Using the present tense (Le Présent) - and not the compound past (Le Passé Composé) - in sentences with "depuis" (since/for) in French (French Prepositions of Time)"

Asked 10 years ago

Like0Answer1

AurélieKwizIQ Head of French, Native French TeacherCorrect answer

Bonjour Nancy !

No, you can use L'Imparfait with depuis, just not in the same cases as explained in this lesson.
You will use L'Imparfait when talking about an event that WAS/HAD BEEN HAPPENING in the past. Usually in the context of a story:
"Elle dormait depuis dix minutes lorsque soudain elle fut (Passé Simple) réveillée par un bruit."
(She was/had been sleeping for ten minutes when she was suddenly woken up by a noise.)

I hope that's helpful!
À bientôt !

Like19 years ago

N. C. asked:

Is it correct that the imperfect is not used with "depuis"?

Don't have an account yet? Join today

« ¿admitía o admitiría?In the example “En esta casa entra muy poca luz.” please explain the use of “entra”. »

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

And get your personalised Study Plan to improve it

Find your French level