le passé compose vs. l'imparfait

Barbara O.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

le passé compose vs. l'imparfait

I'm wondering why in the sentence: "...during that period, I did not have to take the train.", the imperfect of devoir is used instead of the perfect tense?  Since it is a specific and closed period of time (three weeks), doesn't that mean it's not an ongoing action?  Thanks.  

Asked 4 years ago
Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

As I understand it when describing "background" information in the past, imperfect is normally used. I can only assume that this is the reason?

le passé compose vs. l'imparfait

I'm wondering why in the sentence: "...during that period, I did not have to take the train.", the imperfect of devoir is used instead of the perfect tense?  Since it is a specific and closed period of time (three weeks), doesn't that mean it's not an ongoing action?  Thanks.  

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