Why not passé compose

Becky L.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Why not passé compose

Hi, I really enjoyed this exercise but want clarification on the sentence "Elle était en larmes !"

I would assume that this action was a one-off, not a continual state, so I used the passé compose (Elle a été). 

Is it because the sentences prior all used the imparfait?

Thanks

Asked 4 years ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

There is a group of verbs called verbes of state. They describe a state of being and usually ask for the imperfect tense.

Here is a lesson on them: https://progress.lawlessfrench.com/learn/theme/1512981

CélineNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq

 Bonjour Becky,

As Chris mentioned, there is a list of verbs that tend to be used more often in L’Imparfait most of the time. They usually describe a situation that existed in the past, a state of mind or being (mental / physical). When someone relates a past event, they are used to give a background or a description.

In the example of the text, it describes a state of mind, of being.   

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée!

Why not passé compose

Hi, I really enjoyed this exercise but want clarification on the sentence "Elle était en larmes !"

I would assume that this action was a one-off, not a continual state, so I used the passé compose (Elle a été). 

Is it because the sentences prior all used the imparfait?

Thanks

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Let me take a look at that...