Le passé compose vs. l'imparfait

Barbara O.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

I'm wondering why in the sentence: "...during that period, I did not have to take the train.", the imperfect of devoir is used instead of the perfect tense? Since it is a specific and closed period of time (three weeks), doesn't that mean it's not an ongoing action? Thanks.

This question relates to:French writing exercise "Working from home - an opinion"

Freeform Writing Exercise A2

Asked 5 years ago

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Jim J.C1Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

As I understand it when describing "background" information in the past, imperfect is normally used. I can only assume that this is the reason?

Like15 years ago

Barbara O. asked:

le passé compose vs. l'imparfait

I'm wondering why in the sentence: "...during that period, I did not have to take the train.", the imperfect of devoir is used instead of the perfect tense? Since it is a specific and closed period of time (three weeks), doesn't that mean it's not an ongoing action? Thanks.

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