FREN 1002
Depuis avec le present et Pendant avec le passé compose, present,
et futur
Study these examples:
Case I:
Depuis combien de temps (Depuis quand) est-ce que tu habites à Dahlonega?
How long (since when) have you lived in Dahlonega?
I’ve lived here (“have been living here”) for ten years (since 1995).
In other words, use depuis and the present tense for something that began in the past and is still true or going on at the moment of speaking.
Pendant combine de temps est-ce que tu as habité à Atlanta?
How long did you live in Atlanta?
I lived in Atlanta for four years.
In other words, use pendant and the passé compose for something that took place for a definite period of time completed in the past*.
*Note: This definite period of time can also be
expressed in the future: “Je vais habiter à Atlanta… / J’habiterai à
Atlanta…” as well as in the present. In the present tense, however, the action
must be understood to be repetitive and ongoing in the present:
“J’attends l’autobus pendant 20 minutes tous les jours.”
Practice:
Use these words to make complete sentences.
1)
nous /
travailler / ici / depuis / un an
2)
Je /
travailler / chez IBM / pendant / deux ans
3)
Mon frère / habiter
/ Québec / pendant / 5 ans
4)
Tu / parle /
ton papa / tous les vendredi / 30 minutes
5)
Mes amis /
voyager / deux mois / Europe
Ask the question suggested or answer as appropriate.
1) Someone wants to know how long you studied French in high school. Write the question they would ask. Assume the situation is informal.
2) Say how long you studied French in high school
3)
Someone wants to know how long you’ve been a student at UNG.
Write the question they would ask.
Assume the situation is informal
4)
Ask your roommate how long s/he studies every night.
5) Tell the person how long you’ve been at UNG