Language
French
Level
A0
Unit
Introduction aux temps
Practice types
0

What this grammar point covers

The passé composé describes a completed action in the past.

When to use it

Use it for finished actions and clearly past events.

Key forms

  • subject + avoir/être (present) + past participle
  • Je suis allé(e)
  • Tu as fini
  • Il/elle a pris
  • Nous avons parlé

Examples

J'ai travaillé hier.

English: I worked yesterday.

Elle est rentrée tôt.

English: She went home early.

Nous n'avons pas vu le film.

English: We did not see the movie.

As-tu appelé ?

English: Did you call him?

Tips

  • Most verbs use 'avoir' as the helping verb; some use 'être'.
  • Past participles have different endings for -er, -ir, and -re verbs.
  • Negatives go around the helping verb (e.g., 'n'ai pas').

Verify this grammar point in French reference sources

Cross-check the rule and examples in established native references. Each link opens in a new tab.

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