Hi Elizabeth,
The passé simple ( past historic) is a narrative tense and is mainly found in literature.
Its equivalent in spoken French is the passé composé...
Hope this helps!
is passe simple used often in today's times?
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Elizabeth P.Kwiziq community member
is passe simple used often in today's times?
This question relates to:French lesson "Recognising all -er verbs - including aller - in the historic past in French (Le Passé Simple)"
Asked 6 years ago
Robert F.Kwiziq community member
I noticed it was used extensively by Macron when he addressed the nation this week. Also used in the official french church version of the Lord's prayer, the creed etc.
CécileNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq
Hi Robert,
Past Heads of state and the like will use the passé simple for effect but it sounds very pompous and will not be used otherwise.
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