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Passé composé vs l’imparfait

Erika H.C1Kwiziq 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? 

This question relates to:French writing exercise "I love the mountains!"

Freeform Writing Exercise A2

Asked 2 years ago
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Jim J.C1 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

Like22 years ago
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Chris W.C1 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?

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Pablo P.A1Kwiziq 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

Like12 years ago
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Erika H. asked:View original

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? 

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« Use of definite and indefinite articles with the days Can a direct object be used with 'en' (le, la, l', les etc) as it is with 'y'? »
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