tenir imparfait conjugation
Tenir (to hold) in the imparfait: tenais, tenais, tenait, tenions, teniez, tenaient.
Imparfait Imperfect
| je | |
|---|---|
| tu | |
| il/elle/on | |
| nous | |
| vous | |
| ils/elles |
ending regular · irr breaks the pattern · tap a form to hear it
When to use the imparfait
The imparfait describes the past as background: habits (“used to”), ongoing actions (“was doing”), descriptions and states. Être is the only verb with an irregular imparfait stem (ét-).
How it is formed
Take the nous form of the present, drop -ons and add ais, ais, ait, ions, iez, aient: nous finissons → je finissais.
Tenir is irregular here. 6 of 6 forms break the pattern (dark tiles above).
Tenir in a sentence
- Je tiens ce livre dans mes mains.I'm holding this book in my hands.
- Elle a tenu sa promesse.She kept her promise.
Irregular, conjugated like 'venir'; 'tenir à' means to be attached/keen to.
FAQ
What is the imparfait of tenir?
Tenir in the French imparfait: je tenais, tu tenais, il/elle/on tenait, nous tenions, vous teniez, ils/elles tenaient.
Is tenir irregular in the imparfait?
Yes. 6 of 6 forms break the regular pattern: je tenais; tu tenais; il/elle/on tenait; nous tenions; vous teniez; ils/elles tenaient.
When do you use the French imparfait?
The imparfait describes the past as background: habits (“used to”), ongoing actions (“was doing”), descriptions and states. Être is the only verb with an irregular imparfait stem (ét-).
How is the imparfait formed?
Take the nous form of the present, drop -ons and add ais, ais, ait, ions, iez, aient: nous finissons → je finissais.
Full tenir conjugation, all tenses →
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