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The imparfait (continuous past) emphasises the progression or the regular repetition of an action in the past. 

How to Conjugate Verbs in the Imparfait:

1. The stem consists of the first-person plural (nous) form of the present tense without the – ons  ending.
2. Add the following endings to the stem:

       singular                plural

1. – ais                       1. – ions

2. – ais                       2. – iez

3. – ait                        3. – aient

1. All of the singular and the third-person plural endings are pronounced the same way

USAGE:

1. Description of a situation in the past;

Ex. : Quand il était jeune, il habitait à Paris. – When he was young, he used to live in Paris.

2. Description of a person, a paysage;

Ex. : Elle avait des cheveux blonds. – She had blond hair. 

3. Habitual action in the past.

Ex.: J’allais au cinéma tous les samedis. – I used to go to the movies every Saturday.