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Grammar
Grammar Micro‐Guide 09 — Passé composé vs imparfait: a simple decision rule
This guide focuses on what changes comprehension and production in everyday spoken French — not textbook perfection.
Intermediate 30 min
Why it matters in real conversation
This guide focuses on what changes comprehension and production in everyday spoken French — not
textbook perfection.
Core points
• Passé composé = event/action; imparfait = background/habit.
• In storytelling you mix both; don’t overthink.
• Train with templates rather than memorising lists.
Spoken vs written
• Written French may show fuller forms; spoken French often compresses (linking, schwa loss,
dropped ‘ne’).
Examples (French → English)
• Add 3–5 examples here as you build the library.
Micro‐drill (2 minutes)
• Take one example and say it 10 times as one rhythm group.
• Record once. Aim for clarity + flow.
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