'Arriver' vs. 'se produire' vs. 'se passer'; and the use of 'rendre'

Question

Just a couple of quick questions:I wrote, " Ca se passait si souvent que..." and it was marked wrong. Can someone explain why this is not a correct use of "se passer" in this case? I understand the use of "arriver" and "se produire", but thought that "se passer" would work, too. Especially, as I am much more familiar with this expression.I was going to write, "Ils m'ont toujours fait..." but instead tried using "rendre". Again, marked wrong, (but then I used the l'imparfait so maybe that was the reason?).  LaRousse gives as a definition for "rendre": "(suivi d'un adjectif) (faire devenir) = To make", with the example, "rendre quelqu'un fou". Again, an expression that I am familiar with; "rendre quelqu'un triste/content/heureuse, etc." Would "Ils m'ont toujours rendue sure est acceptee" be correct?  Or, do those adjectives need the use of "se sentir"?Thank you in advance for any feedback.Bonne Continuation !

Accepted Answer

Bonjour N. Hilary,
1. "Ça se passait si souvent que..." -> See link here: arriver vs se passer
2. "Ils m'ont toujours fait..." : see the link here - why not imparfait
"Rendre" wouldn't work in this context/structure  as "to feel safe" means "se sentir en sécurité"
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !

Answer

Bonjour Celine,Thank you for your answer and the link to the discussion of "se passer" vs. "arriver". I followed the link offered by Jim in his response. I think it will take some time and practice to clarify in my mind the difference between "se passer"; "arriver"; "se produire" and "se rouler".  And, some "Sprachgefuehl" - the new German word I learned from the discussion meaning "language feeling". I also found the discussion about the use of "l'imparfait" very illuminating. I would have thought that since it was a reoccurring experience in the past, "l'imparfait" would be called for. But, I can see why the "passe compose" is used instead. Again, I will need to reflect on this and hopefully over time I will get it right. I'm afraid that, in the meantime, I will likely make mistakes while using the "l'imparfait". That is, until I get my "Sprachgefuehl" for it!Merci et Bonne Continuation !