Microsoft Word – FGB§2 verbs

THE PASSÉ SURCOMPOSÉ
Formation: use the PERFECT of avoir or être and the past participle
Use:
Examples:
J’ai eu fini I had finished (the passé surcomposé is rarely found with être)
instead of the PAST ANTERIOR in non-formal speech and writing. It is therefore
used after a conjunction of time when the subjects of both clauses are different. If
they are the same, then you should use avoir or ayant with a past participle. Both
the PAST ANTERIOR and the PASSÉ SURCOMPOSÉ are used instead of the
PLUPERFECT, which cannot be used after a conjunction of time.
A fuller description of this will be found in the section on CONJUNCTIONS OF TIME
[1] when the subjects are the same (past anterior avoided)
When he had finished, he went out.
Après avoir fini, il est sorti / Ayant fini, il est sorti
[2] When the subjects are different:
When his mother had finished, he went out.
Quand sa mère a eu fini, il est sorti
NB: the passé surcomposé is also found with other tenses of the auxiliary (j’avais eu fini, j’aurai eu
fini). For a comprehensive survey of its use, look it up in LE BON USAGE.
Exercise 37 [use of the passé surcomposé]
1 When he had finished the essay the teacher marked it.
2 As soon as she had woken up, her mother gave her her breakfast.
3 Scarcely had I opened the door than I realised what had occurred.
4 When he had written the book, the publisher accepted it.
5 When she had calmed down, the doctor treated her.
6 After the dog had finished eating, his master took him for a walk.
7 Hardly had the teacher spoken than the pupil misbehaved again.
8 After she had seen the answer, she copied it into her book.
9 When the car had turned the bend, it braked suddenly.
10 As soon as the plane had landed, the passengers disembarked.