camithy

[buoyant geyser]

Please be patient

Our volunteers look into many questions every day; sometimes it takes them a little while to answer.

Pro tip: you can rename the thread title with `.tr <thread name>`

Make it descriptive, including relevant context, but also to the point. This way you improve your chances of getting a more relevant and specific answer.

[dense cedar]

The passé simple is used in formal writing so if you're writing about a historical event, a fictional story, or even a journalistic piece, you're going to use the passé simple though I rarely see the passé simple used in newspapers (still used, just rare). In fiction writing, it's used for narration so you'll see a lot of, « Alain se rendit au bureau pour rencontrer Emma. Il ne sut pas qu'elle n'était pas là. ».

Regarding opinionated writing directed towards the public, sure you can use the passé simple but it will be perceived as really formal so opting for the passé composé to make it more 'accessible', so to speak, might be better.