How to Describe the Past in French (Habits, Descriptions, Background)
Part of UNITÉ 0 — Les souvenirs d’enfance
Aligned with the International Baccalaureate MYP 3 (Phases 3–4)
imparfait French lesson beginner, how to use imparfait, French past tense habits, describe past in French IB MYP
Lesson Overview
In this lesson, you will learn l’imparfait, a key French past tense used to:
- describe childhood habits
- talk about past situations
- express feelings and background
This tense is essential for IB storytelling and communication.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Form the imparfait correctly
- Use it to describe habits and situations in the past
- Recognize when NOT to use it
GRAMMAR FOCUS 1 — L’IMPARFAIT
Imparfait Endings
| Person | Ending |
|---|---|
| je | -ais |
| tu | -ais |
| il / elle | -ait |
| nous | -ions |
| vous | -iez |
| ils / elles | -aient |
1. When Do We Use the Imparfait?
A. Habits in the Past
Actions that happened regularly.
Example:
Quand j’étais enfant, je jouais dehors.
B. Descriptions (People, Places, Feelings)
To describe situations in the past.
Example:
Ma maison était petite.
C. Background Actions
To set the scene.
Example:
Il pleuvait et je lisais.
Important Rule
Do NOT use the imparfait for completed actions.
(Use passé composé instead — see Lesson 3)
2. How to Form the Imparfait
Step-by-Step
- Take the NOUS form (present tense)
- Remove -ons
- Add endings
Example: jouer
- je jouais
- tu jouais
- il jouait
- nous jouions
- vous jouiez
- ils jouaient
Special Verb: ÊTRE
- j’étais
- tu étais
- il était
- nous étions
- vous étiez
- ils étaient
Quick Formation Tip
Think:
nous form → remove -ons → add endings
Practice Exercise
Complete the sentences:
- Quand j’_____ (être) petit, j’_____ (aimer) l’école.
- Nous _____ (jouer) tous les jours.
Writing Task
Write 3 sentences about your childhood using the imparfait.
Example:
Quand j’étais petit(e), je jouais avec mes amis.
Common Mistakes
- Using imparfait for one-time events
- Forgetting endings
- Confusing with passé composé
Skills Developed
- Grammar accuracy
- Narrative writing
- Speaking fluency
- Understanding past descriptions
Outcome
By the end of this lesson, you can:
- Describe childhood habits
- Talk about past situations
- Build simple narratives
Strategy
Next step:
Lesson 3 — Le passé composé (events and actions in the past)
Suggested anchor text:
- Learn how to talk about completed actions in French
- Understand the difference between imparfait and passé composé
Reflection Box
- Can I describe my childhood habits?
- Do I understand when to use imparfait?
Final Practice
Say 2–3 sentences:
Quand j’étais petit(e), je…
