can pendant be used for duration in the past using imparfait eg J'etudiais le francais pendant 2 ans

L H.A0KwizIQ community member

can pendant be used for duration in the past using imparfait eg J'etudiais le francais pendant 2 ans

This question relates to:French lesson "Using the present tense (Le Présent) - and not the compound past (Le Passé Composé) - in sentences with "depuis" (since/for) in French (French Prepositions of Time)"

Asked 7 years ago

Like0Answer3

Cécile J.A1KwizIQ Q&A super contributorCorrect answer

Hi L,

No, you cannot say, 'J'étudiais le français pendant deux ans.' as it lasted two years in now finished, the only possibility is-

'J'ai étudié le français pendant deux ans.'

Like17 years ago

Chris W.C1KwizIQ Q&A super contributor

Pendant, in this context, refers to a well defined period in the past. Therefore I would say:

J'ai étudié le français pendant deux ans.

I don't think there is a rule forbidding the use of imparfait in conjunction with pendant. It's just that in this example, I would use the passé composé.

The opinion of a native speaker would be greatly appreciated, though.

Like07 years ago

Joan C.A1KwizIQ Q&A regular contributor

Can we use l'imparfait with pendant?

Like07 years ago

L H. asked:

can pendant be used for duration in the past using imparfait eg J'etudiais le francais pendant 2 ans

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