Imparfait ou Passé Composé

Front

He didn’t arrive on time.

Back

n’est pas arrivé

Answer explanation

A one-time, completed action in the past requires Le Passé Composé

Front

He was afraid of dogs.

Back

avait peur

Answer explanation

description, requires Imparfait

Front

The boy fell.

Back

est tombé

Answer explanation

A one-time, completed and somewhat sudden action in the past - requires le Passé Composé

Front

He was born in the United States.

Back

est né

Answer explanation

You are only born once - hence le Passé Composé

Front

When I was young, I used to watch cartoons.

Back

regardais

Answer explanation

A habitual, repeated action in the past - requires l'Imparfait

Front

I saw a film yesterday.

Back

ai vu

Answer explanation

A one-time, completed action in the past - requires le Passé Composé

Front

What is the correct translation of "wanted" in the sentence: Tom wanted to return to the United States, but I asked him to stay in France?

Back

voulait

Answer explanation

This is basically a description of the state of mind - use l'Imparfait

Front

My grandfather died when I was 3 years old.

Back

est mort

Answer explanation

A one-time, completed and somewhat sudden action in the past - requires le Passé Composé

Front

We went shopping on Saturday.

Back

avons fait du shopping

Answer explanation

A one-time, completed action in the past - requires le Passé Composé

Front

I was 7 years old when I moved to France.

Back

avais 7 ans

Answer explanation

A description of a person in the past - requires l'Imparfait