Vouloir - is there a parallel with Passé Composé meaning?

Anne D.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

In the lesson on the passé composé of vouloir it says:

In Le Passé Composé (Indicatif), the meaning of vouloir is often closer to "tried".

Does the same apply to the Plus-que-Parfait?

Asked 3 months ago

CélineNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Bonjour Anne,

Yes, you're correct: it can mean "had tried" but not often:

J'avais voulu faire du sport. = I'd tried to do sports.

-> it does mean "try"

J'avais voulu faire un gâteau mais le four ne fonctionnait pas. = I'd wanted to make a cake but the oven was not working.

-> here, it does mean "want" due to the contrast with L'Imparfait (i.e. fonctionnait)

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

Like13 months ago

In the lesson on the passé composé of vouloir it says:

In Le Passé Composé (Indicatif), the meaning of vouloir is often closer to "tried".

Does the same apply to the Plus-que-Parfait?

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