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Use of imparfait here is possible (depending of how you interpret the English question), but includes a tone of reproach.
another neutral possibility is:
« Pourquoi n'as-tu pas pu venir hier ? »
As a general rule, imparfait is used to express past recurrence, repetition and usually translates [eng] "was/were + -ing" or "used to + -ing"
Always suspect a specific reason whenever you spot an imparfait that doesn't seem to be justified by recurrence!
In this case, the action deals with a punctual event, so imparfait is not necessary. Consequently, it must carry something additional (here, the reproach which hints that the person actually could).
I will point to you other examples when they come by.
n'as
Pourquoi n'as-tu pas pu venir hier ?
Il faut un espace avant ''?''.
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This sentence was initially added as a translation of sentence #1431610
Pourquoi ne peux-tu pas venir hier?
added by Nero, February 13, 2012
linked by Nero, February 13, 2012
Pourquoi ne pourrais-tu pas venir hier?
edited by Nero, February 13, 2012
Pourquoi ne pouvais-tu pas venir hier?
edited by Nero, February 13, 2012
linked by selcukbasak, February 13, 2012
linked by sacredceltic, February 13, 2012
Pourquoi ne as-tu pas pu venir hier?
edited by Nero, February 13, 2012
linked by Guybrush88, February 13, 2012
Pourquoi n'as-tu pas pu venir hier?
edited by Nero, February 13, 2012
linked by GrizaLeono, May 15, 2012
linked by marafon, November 17, 2012
Pourquoi n'as-tu pas pu venir hier ?
edited by Nero, April 28, 2014
linked by marafon, September 26, 2014
