‘Used to’ or ‘Would’

The phrases "would" and "used to" are both used to describe past habits or repeated actions, but they have some differences in their usage and nuances. Understanding the differences helps in choosing the appropriate form based on the action or state being described and the clarity needed in the sentence.

‘Used to’ or ‘Would’

"Would"

1. Repeated Actions and Situations:

• "Would" is typically used to describe repeated actions or routines in the past.

• It is often used when the context has already established the time frame, so there’s no confusion that we’re talking about the past.

Examples:

1. Every summer, we would go to the beach.

2. When I was a child, I would visit my grandparents every weekend.

3. Limited to Actions:

• "Would" is generally used for actions or behaviours, not states or situations.

• It can’t be used for non-action verbs like "be," "know," "have," etc.

Examples:

1. Correct: Every evening, he would read a book.

2. Incorrect: He would be very happy as a child.

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"Used to"

1. General Past States and Actions:

• "Used to" can describe both past habits (repeated actions) and past states.

• It provides more flexibility in describing past routines and situations.

Examples:

1. I used to play soccer every weekend. (Habit)

2. She used to live in New York. (State)

3. We used to be close friends. (State)

4. Emphasis on Change:

• "Used to" often emphasizes that the habit or state no longer exists in the present.

• It is clear and unambiguous about the contrast between the past and the present.

Examples:

1. He used to smoke, but he quit last year.

2. I used to love ice cream, but now I’m lactose intolerant.

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Key Differences:

• Scope of Use:

• "Would" is more limited to actions and behaviours, while "used to" can describe both actions and states.

• Clarity and Emphasis:

• "Used to" often provides a clearer indication that something was true in the past but is not anymore.

• Context Requirement:

• "Would" generally requires a clear past context to avoid ambiguity, whereas "used to" is more self-contained in indicating past habits or states.

Examples in Contrast:

• Actions:

• "When I was a child, I would go fishing with my dad every Saturday."

• "When I was a child, I used to go fishing with my dad every Saturday."

• Both sentences are correct, but "used to" makes it clear on its own that this is a past habit.

• States:

• "I used to have long hair."

• "I would have long hair." (Incorrect, as "would" cannot be used with states)

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