7.2.1

Avoir (1/2)

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Regular ER Verbs in the Pluperfect Tense

The pluperfect tense translates as 'I had done something'. It is formed using the imperfect of 'avoir' followed by a past participle. With 'avoir' the past participle only agrees if there is a direct object. Here is the example with 'parler' (to speak):

Illustrative background for Tu =avais= parl=é= - you had spokenIllustrative background for Tu =avais= parl=é= - you had spoken ?? "content

Tu avais parlé - you had spoken

  • 'Tu' means 'you' (singular).
Illustrative background for Vous =aviez= parl=é= - you had spokenIllustrative background for Vous =aviez= parl=é= - you had spoken ?? "content

Vous aviez parlé - you had spoken

  • 'Vous' means:
    • You (plural).
    • You (singular, formal).

Regular IR Verbs

The pluperfect tense translates as 'I had done something'. It is formed using the imperfect of 'avoir' followed by a past participle. With 'avoir' the past participle only agrees if there is a direct object. Here is the example with 'finir' (to finish):

Illustrative background for Tu =avais= fin=i= - you had finishedIllustrative background for Tu =avais= fin=i= - you had finished ?? "content

Tu avais fini - you had finished

  • 'Tu' means 'you' (singular).
Illustrative background for Vous =aviez= fin=i= - you had finishedIllustrative background for Vous =aviez= fin=i= - you had finished ?? "content

Vous aviez fini - you had finished

  • 'Vous' means:
    • You (plural).
    • You (singular, formal).

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6Common Tenses

7Advanced Tenses

8Extra Grammar

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