ce qui était mon rêve depuis plusieurs année

Question

I don't quite understand why "était" (imperfect) is used with "depuis."  Is that because it is not longer his dream?  Is is because the dream has been fulfilled?  This dream does not continue?

Accepted Answer

Bonjour Mary Anne,
 
Chris’ s answer is absolutely correct! Also, remember: “When the verb être is used in a past context, it is usually in L'Imparfait and NOT Le Passé Composé, as it often appears in a descriptive context or to express an opinion.” This is the case for this particular clause.
 
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !

Answer

Hi Mary Anne,I understand that when a reference is made to l'esprit which would include "dreams" then l'imparfait is used. Why? --- This is an enduring memory/desire perhaps unfulfilled, not a completed action. Let's see if one of the French experts can comment further.Jim

Answer

Depuis is used with a timespan in the past, which, of course, has a beginning and an end. In English, the tense used is determined by the beginning time, and past perfect tense is the most common tense used. In French, the tense is determined by the endpoint. For durations which start in the past and continue into the present, one therefore uses present tense. If you're talking about a timespan that also ends in the past, one uses the appropriate past tense.