1. Introduction
The imperfect tense describes repeated, ongoing, or descriptive actions in the past. In this lesson, you will move from recognition to production and then complete a graded quiz.
- You will identify when imperfect is appropriate.
- You will practice building -er verb forms in imperfect.
- You will complete a final scored quiz tracked for SCORM.
Click to reveal
Choose a context and reveal if imperfect is suitable.
Yes. Repeated past habits often use the imperfect.
No. A single completed event often uses passe compose.
Yes. Weather, emotions, and scene-setting often use the imperfect.
2. When to use the imperfect tense
Use the imperfect for background descriptions, ongoing states, and repeated actions in the past.
Memory tip: ask yourself if the action was a repeated habit or a setting/state in progress.
If yes, imperfect is often the right starting choice.
Flip cards
Activate each card to see an example sentence.
3. How to make the imperfect for -er verbs
Start from the nous present form, remove -ons, then add the imperfect endings: -ais -ais -ait -ions -iez -aient
Match the words
Match each pronoun with the correct ending.
Example: Nous parlons -> stem parl- -> Je parlais, Nous parlions.
4. Quiz
Answer all questions. You pass when your score is above 80%.
This quiz checks meaning, usage, and -er verb imperfect formation.