What is past tense of pouvoir?

The past tense of "pouvoir" depends on which tense you are referring to:

* Past simple (passé simple): put

* Past perfect (passé composé): a pu

* Past continuous (imparfait): pouvait

* Pluperfect (plus-que-parfait): avait pu

Here's a breakdown of each tense with examples:

Past Simple (passé simple):

* Usage: Used for actions completed in the past, often in formal or literary contexts.

* Example: Il put se lever tôt ce matin. (He was able to get up early this morning.)

Past Perfect (passé composé):

* Usage: Used for actions completed in the past before another past action or time.

* Example: Il a pu finir son travail avant le déjeuner. (He was able to finish his work before lunch.)

Past Continuous (imparfait):

* Usage: Used for ongoing actions or states in the past.

* Example: Elle pouvait parler anglais couramment. (She was able to speak English fluently.)

Pluperfect (plus-que-parfait):

* Usage: Used for actions completed in the past before another past action in the past perfect.

* Example: Il avait pu acheter une maison avant d'avoir perdu son emploi. (He had been able to buy a house before he lost his job.)

Let me know if you'd like more examples or have any other questions about the past tenses of "pouvoir"!