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  • The reason given for the imparfait in "mes mains n'arrêtait pas de trembler" is continuing action, but the lesson teaches that continuing action

The reason given for the imparfait in "mes mains n'arrêtait pas de trembler" is continuing action, but the lesson teaches that continuing action

Ann H.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

The reason given for the imparfait in "mes mains n'arrêtait pas de trembler" is continuing action, but the lesson teaches that continuing action

would translate as: mes mains were not stopping trembling. I get very confused over this particular usage. Most of the use of imparfait that I get wrong are due to this rule. Could you explain it better?

This question relates to:French dictation exercise "Entretien avec une chanteuse"

Dictation exercise A2

Asked 5 years ago
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CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Ann,

In this example, which I would translate 'my hands could not stop shaking', the verb 'ne pas arrêter de' conveys duration so the imparfait est parfait ici...

Bonne continuation!

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Ann H. asked:View original

The reason given for the imparfait in "mes mains n'arrêtait pas de trembler" is continuing action, but the lesson teaches that continuing action

would translate as: mes mains were not stopping trembling. I get very confused over this particular usage. Most of the use of imparfait that I get wrong are due to this rule. Could you explain it better?

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