Question about tenses

James W.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Question about tenses

Au cours des années, elle m'a transmis sa passion - why is passé composé used? She clearly says 'over the years' so a repeated action? surely the imparfait would be used here?

Asked 1 year ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

The notion that imperfect tense in French is automatically used whenever something is repeated in the past is a gross oversimplification. In the quoted sentence, the focus is on the fact that the transmission is completed. If the process and duration were stressed, imperfect would be an option.

Question about tenses

Au cours des années, elle m'a transmis sa passion - why is passé composé used? She clearly says 'over the years' so a repeated action? surely the imparfait would be used here?

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