In today’s episode I’m answering a question from Donovan: “Can you please give some examples of when to use j’étais versus j’ai été and when to use j’avais versus j’ai eu?  In English, we translate so many things as “was” or “had”, that it’s hard to understand the difference! I’ve tried to find material on this, but most of what I have found is not specific to avoir and être.”

We’ll brush up the difference between the passé composé and imparfait tenses in French and I’ll illustrate with examples how sometimes the choice is only a difference of perspective.

This episode also celebrates the launch of my new eBook: “How to choose the right mood and tense in French” (French Verbs Made Easy): www.frenchyourway.com.au/frenchtenses

Quand j’étais petite, j’avais peur des loups.

Son oncle a eu un accident de voiture. Heureusement, il avait sa ceinture de sécurité et n’a eu que quelques bleus.

J’ai été étudiante à l’université d’Angers.

Il est fatigué ce matin car il a été malade toute la nuit.

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The post FYW 198 : “J’ai été” or “j’étais”? Passé composé or imparfait? appeared first on French Your Way.