le passe simple

Question

When  i learned French in my youth ( I am now 91), the passe simple was called the Past Definite in English, is that still so ? We were also told that its use was confined to literature and it was not used otherwise. Is that correct ?

Accepted Answer

Bonjour Ron,
Le Passé Simple is the equivalent to the English simple past / preterite. It is indeed mainly used in Literature, in newspapers and in historical accounts. French children learn about it from a very young age as most children's books use Le Passé Simple.
You will find more explanations about Le Passé Simple here: Le Passé Simple
I hope this is useful.
Bonne journée !