Passé composé vs l’imparfait

ErikaC1Kwiziq community member

Passé composé vs l’imparfait

Why is passé composé used in the first sentence, Je n’ai jamais aimé… ? If you never have liked the seaside, not before and not now, isn’t that an ongoing feeling and should therefore be in l’imparfait? Isn’t it also expressing an opinion and should be in l’imparfait?  What am I missing? 

Asked 2 years ago
JimC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Hi Erika

If the action never took place then it is already completed.

This is  my take on this point.

Jim

ChrisC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

I feel like I am writing comments to the use of imperfect vs. passé composé several times a week. The last one I wrote was a few days ago. Maybe do a search to find some relevant answers?

PabloA1Kwiziq community member

It is as if you said " I have never liked hamburgers" you say that in present perfect which should be the equivalent to passé composé

Passé composé vs l’imparfait

Why is passé composé used in the first sentence, Je n’ai jamais aimé… ? If you never have liked the seaside, not before and not now, isn’t that an ongoing feeling and should therefore be in l’imparfait? Isn’t it also expressing an opinion and should be in l’imparfait?  What am I missing? 

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Thinking...