The imperfect tenseUseful verbs in the imperfect tense

There are several verbs that you will use often to talk about what something was like (giving a description).

Être is a verb commonly used for the imperfect tense, for example:

• j'étais - I was → j'étais fatigué - I was tired
• nous étions heureux - we were happy

C'était (meaning it was) + an adjective can be used to give your opinion on something:

• c'était fantastique ! - it was great!
• c'était difficile - it was difficult

You'll often need to use avoir too:

• j'avais - I used to have/I had → j'avais mal à la gorge - I had a sore throat
• il y avait - there was → il y avait beaucoup de monde - it was packed/very busy

You may also use faire:

• je faisais - I used to do
• il faisait - it was (usually for the weather)

You will also use aller:

• j'allais - I used to go