The past in the present tense
The présent historique (historical present) tells finished events in the present tense. French history books, biographies, timelines and documentaries use it constantly. The content is the same as with the passé simple or passé composé, but the events move closer, as if they were unfolding in front of you.
One event, two ways of telling it
Past tense
Le 14 juillet 1789, les Parisiens prirent la Bastille.
On 14 July 1789, the people of Paris took the Bastille.
Flaubert a publié Madame Bovary en 1857.
Flaubert published Madame Bovary in 1857.
Présent historique
Le 14 juillet 1789, les Parisiens prennent la Bastille.
On 14 July 1789, the people of Paris take the Bastille.
Flaubert publie Madame Bovary en 1857.
In 1857, Flaubert publishes Madame Bovary.
In conversation, too, many speakers switch to the present as soon as a story gets exciting. A time marker like et là or tout à coup signals the jump.
Hier, j'étais en réunion, et là, le patron entre et annonce qu'il démissionne.
Yesterday I was in a meeting, and then the boss walks in and announces he's quitting.
The request in the imperfect
The imparfait de politesse (polite imperfect) seems to move a request into the past. You mean right now, but the request sounds less pushy because it comes across as a thought you had a moment ago. Typical verbs are vouloir, venir, appeler and se demander.
From direct to very careful
| Tone | Sentence |
|---|---|
| direct | Je veux vous demander quelque chose. |
| polite, casual | Je voulais vous demander quelque chose. |
| polite | Je voudrais vous demander quelque chose. |
| very careful | J'aurais voulu vous demander quelque chose. |
Je voulais juste savoir s'il restait des places pour samedi.
I just wanted to know if there were any seats left for Saturday.
Bonjour, je venais pour l'annonce de l'appartement.
Hello, I'm here about the flat that was advertised.
Je vous appelais au sujet de votre facture.
I'm calling about your invoice.
Je me demandais si tu pouvais me prêter ta voiture ce week-end.
I was wondering if you could lend me your car this weekend.
Vous désiriez ?
What can I get you?
A shop assistant to a customer; the imperfect refers to what you want now.
