• French»
  • French Q&A»
  • With "je devais le prendre" shouldn't it be in perfect tense since imperfect of devoir means "supposed to do" and perfect is "had to" ?

With "je devais le prendre" shouldn't it be in perfect tense since imperfect of devoir means "supposed to do" and perfect is "had to" ?

James W.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

With "je devais le prendre" shouldn't it be in perfect tense since imperfect of devoir means "supposed to do" and perfect is "had to" ?

This question relates to:French writing exercise "I've always loved French"

Freeform Writing Exercise B1

Asked 3 years ago
Like0Answer1
Share
Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi James,

Devoir  --> to have to     Imparfait   --> had to    Perfect would be   "avoir dû"  --> to have had to  (with the appropriate conjugation of course)

Hope this helps      Jim

Like13 years ago
Share
James W. asked:View original

With "je devais le prendre" shouldn't it be in perfect tense since imperfect of devoir means "supposed to do" and perfect is "had to" ?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

« Concurrence Translation"parmi" vs "d'entre" »
Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Thinking...