Decide whether to use the imparfait or the passé composé in the following sentences. Afterwards, translate
them into French.
1. It was raining.
2. I saw my teacher.
3. I was reading a book when I saw a cat.
4. She read this book three times.
5. They didn't come because they were tired.
6. We used to go to the movies all the time.
7. What were you doing?
8. What did you do?
9. It rained for three hours.
10. The house was small and white.
11. I ate there every day.
12. What did you eat?
13. What were you eating?
14. The man was singing in Spanish.
15. The man sang in Spanish.
Maybe acronyms will help
Imparfait – HIDE
H – habitual actions (used to form of verb)
I – incomplete action (was/were + ing)
D – descriptions in the past
E – emotional feelings (most of the time)
PC – STARS
S – sudden occurrence
T – time limit/complete action
A – action disrupts the action of verb in imparfait
R – reaction to another action
S – series of distinct instances
PC Acronyms
DR & MRS. VANDERTRAMP
This is perhaps the most popular mnemonic device for etre verbs in the United
States. Personally, I find DR & MRS VANDERTRAMP redundant since it includes
some derivatives, but if it works for you, go for it.
 Devenir
Revenir
&
Monter
Rester
Sortir
Venir
Aller
Naître
Descendre
Entrer
Rentrer
Tomber
Retourner
Arriver
Mourir
Partir
ADVENT
Each letter in ADVENT stands for one of the verbs and its opposite, plus one
extra verb, for a total of thirteen.
 Arriver-Partir
Descendre- Monter
Venir- Aller
Entrer- Sortir
Naître- Mourir
Tomber- Rester
Retourner
“Ten Little Indians” Song
Allé, arrivé, venu, revenu
Entré, rentré, descendu, devenu
Sorti, parti, resté, retourné
Monté, tombé, né et mort
Aller, arriver, entrer, rentrer, rester, retourner, tomber, monter,
Descendre
Partir, sortir
Venir, devenir, revenir,
Naître, mourir, et passer par.
Ces dix-sept verbes sont conjugés avec le verbe être au passé compose.
Yé!