How do you form The Imperfect Past tense in French?

In French grammar, the imperfect past tense (l'imparfait) is formed using the stem of the verb and specific endings for different subject pronouns. Here's how you form the imperfect tense:

Regular Verbs:

• Take the present tense nous form of the verb.

• Remove the "-ons" ending.

• Add the imperfect endings: -ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient.

Example with the verb "parler" (to speak):

• Je parlais (I was speaking)
• Tu parlais (You were speaking)
• Il/Elle/On parlait (He/She/One was speaking)
• Nous parlions (We were speaking)
• Vous parliez (You were speaking)
• Ils/Elles parlaient (They were speaking)

Irregular Verbs:

Irregular verbs have specific stems for the imperfect tense, but they still use the same endings as regular verbs.

Example:

The verb "être" (to be) has the stem "ét-" in the imperfect tense:

• J'étais (I was).
• Tu étais (You were).
• Il/Elle/On était (He/She/One was). 
• Nous étions (We were).
• Vous étiez (You were). 
• Ils/Elles étaient (They were).

Usage:

• The imperfect tense is used to describe ongoing or repeated actions in the past, as well as to provide background information or set the scene.
• It is often used to describe past habits, states of being, or actions that were occurring simultaneously with another past action.

Example: 

• Quand j'étais jeune, je jouais au football tous les jours. 
• When I was young, I used to play football every day.