Would vs Used to

If you’ve ever wondered about the differences between “would” and “used to” when talking about past habits, you’re not alone. These two expressions are commonly used in English to describe actions or states that happened regularly in the past. Although they have similar meanings, there are subtle differences in their usage and grammar. In this article, we’ll explore the distinctions between “would” and “used to” and provide examples to help you understand how to use them correctly.

Firstly, it’s important to note that both “would” and “used to” can be used to talk about past habits or repeated actions. Both “would” and “used to” can be used with action verbs, but “used to” can also be used with state verbs. For example, you might say, “I used to go swimming every Thursday” (an action verb) or “I used to be shy” (a state verb). The past simple tense can also be used as an alternative to “used to” or “would” when discussing past habits or states.

While “would” and “used to” both serve the purpose of describing past habits or repeated actions, there are subtle differences in their usage. “Used to” is used for past habits or states that no longer happen or are no longer true, and it can be used with both action verbs and state verbs. On the other hand, “would” is slightly more formal and is often associated with storytelling. It can only be used with action verbs and is not used to talk about past states. Whether you choose to use “would” or “used to”, both expressions emphasise the repeated or continuous nature of the action or situation being described.

How to Use Used to for Past Habits

When using “used to” for past habits or actions, it is important to remember that it can be used with both action verbs and state verbs, and is followed by the base form of the verb.

Here are some examples of using “used to” for past habits:

• I used to go swimming every Thursday.
• She used to play the piano when she was younger.
• We used to live in London.

Additionally, “used to” can be used to talk about past states that are no longer true. For example:

• I used to be shy, but now I’m more outgoing.
• He used to have long hair, but he cut it short.
• They used to own a cat, but now they have a dog.

The phrase “used to” emphasises the repeated or continuous nature of the past action or situation. It is a useful grammatical tool for discussing past habits and states that are no longer a part of your life.

How to Use Would for Past Habits

Would is a useful verb to talk about repeated past actions or habits that no longer occur. It is slightly more formal than “used to” and is often utilised in stories or narratives. Unlike “used to,” “would” can only be used with action verbs and is not used to discuss past states. When using “would,” it is important to follow it with the base form of the verb.

For instance, you might say, “Every Saturday, I would go on a long bike ride” or “My dad would read me amazing stories every night at bedtime.” In both examples, “would” highlights a past habit or action that was regularly performed but no longer happens.

Would is a valuable verb to express past habits that have ceased to occur. Its formal tone and association with storytelling make it a popular choice in narratives. Always remember to use “would” with action verbs and avoid using it to describe past states.

FAQ