Use of "depuis" for an action that is presently continuing

9832 B.B2Kwiziq community member

Use of "depuis" for an action that is presently continuing

This was listed as the correct answer, but I had understood that, for actions that are continuing in the present, the present tense was used with "depuis." Did I miss something? Thanks.
Les Souillard sont mariés depuis plus de vingt ans." means:

The Souillards have been married for more than twenty years
Asked 6 months ago
CélineNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Bonjour,

It may look like "Le Passé Composé" but, in fact, it's the verb "marier" in Le Présent in La voix Passive.

This question has been asked previously. Take a look here: linked question with passé composé correct?

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

Alan G.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

I would just have said this was the present tense of être and mariés was an adjective. At least in English, it can only be a passive if we refer to the ceremony, e.g "we were married by the bishop".

9832 B.B2Kwiziq community member

Celine (apologies - the software won't let me include an accent aigu in your name) - thanks for your answer - I see it now. And Alan, thanks for your input as well - it can be helpful to think of it that way.

9832 B. asked:

Use of "depuis" for an action that is presently continuing

This was listed as the correct answer, but I had understood that, for actions that are continuing in the present, the present tense was used with "depuis." Did I miss something? Thanks.
Les Souillard sont mariés depuis plus de vingt ans." means:

The Souillards have been married for more than twenty years

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