Why the present tense and not the compound tense?

Alex P.B1Kwiziq community member

Why the present tense and not the compound tense?

For "And I've worked in the same town...", I put "J'ai travaillé dans the la même ville..." but the correct answer is given as "Et je travaille dans la même ville...".

Why is the present conjugation of travailler used instead of the compound tense?

Asked 9 months ago
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Alex, the first link below is to the lesson to review on this topic.

As Jim notes, French and English tenses are different and do not necessarily align.

 Using the present tense (Le Présent) - and not the compound past (Le Passé Composé) - in sentences with "depuis" (since/for) in French (French Prepositions of Time) 

For completeness, the lesson on use in the negative, when passé composé is indicated.

Using the compound past (Le Passé Composé) vs the present (Le Présent) in negative sentences with "depuis" (since/for) in French

Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Bonjour Alex,

I agree that the translation from English will lead you to expect "I have worked ..." but this is not a completed past action (passé composé). The doctor is currently employed and continuing to carry out the tasks required in his daily routine. This is why I see "Et je travaille dans la même ville .." as being appropriate.

Hope this helps.

Bonne continuation.

Jim

Why the present tense and not the compound tense?

For "And I've worked in the same town...", I put "J'ai travaillé dans the la même ville..." but the correct answer is given as "Et je travaille dans la même ville...".

Why is the present conjugation of travailler used instead of the compound tense?

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
I'll be right with you...