tobiiii08

[cloud leaf]

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.

[foggy kelp]

I don't like the description short vs long, because it doesn't really describe what's happening
also, the actual length of the action doesn't really matter.
an action can last for 10s and use imparfait, or 5 years and use passé composé

passé composé is used to describe actions that happened at a single point in the past.
When I say single point, I mean that it has no duration for the purpose of your narration. Only a before and an after.
Here's a couple of constructions using passé composé:
before, I was X. Once [something happened], I was Y
[something happened], then [something happened], then [another thing happened]

imparfait is used to describe context. It can be something that was going on while something else happened. It can be a state something or someone was in.
It is also used for anything that was a recurring event, or a habit.
Here's a couple of constructions using imparfait:
when [something was going on], something happened
[something was happening] every day