Passé composé vs Imparfait

Thanh Tân T.B2Kwiziq community member

Passé composé vs Imparfait

I thought this one is the other way around "Quand elle est arrivée dans le jardin de sa mère, elle ne pouvait pas en croire ses yeux ! Because "arriver" should be in "imparfait" and "croire" is the action that interrupts the ongoing situation. Please explain to me.
This question relates to:French writing exercise "Beatrice's baby shower"

Freeform Writing Exercise B1

Asked 2 years ago
Like0Answer1
Share
Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Hi Thanh Tân,

Beatrice had already discussed then dismissed the idea of a party.

Her arrival into her mother's garden is a completed action therefore passé composé is appropriate.

However on seeing what had been done for her she was unable (imparfait) to BELIEVE HER EYES.    "en croire ses yeux"

Hope this helps.

Bonne continuation

Jim

Like02 years ago
Share
Thanh Tân T. asked:View original

Passé composé vs Imparfait

I thought this one is the other way around "Quand elle est arrivée dans le jardin de sa mère, elle ne pouvait pas en croire ses yeux ! Because "arriver" should be in "imparfait" and "croire" is the action that interrupts the ongoing situation. Please explain to me.

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

« Croire en vs Croire àune atmosphère des plus romantiques ou une atmosphère de plus romantique »
Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
I'll be right with you...