Used to vs Would (past habits)
B2 Upper IntermediateUsed to and would both describe repeated past actions, but they differ in their ability to describe past states and their frequency of use.
Overview
Both used to and would describe past habits or repeated actions that no longer happen. However, used to is more versatile as it can describe both past actions and past states, whereas would is restricted to repeated actions and often requires a specific time frame or context to be established first.
Actions vs. States
Stative verbs describe conditions rather than physical movements. Because would implies a recurring activity, it cannot be used with verbs like be, believe, or belong.
| Feature | Used to | Would |
|---|---|---|
| Repeated Actions | Yes: 'We used to swim every day.' | Yes: 'We would swim every day.' |
| Past States | Yes: 'I used to live in London.' | No: *'I would live in London.' |
| Stative Verbs | Compatible (be, have, know, like) | Incompatible |
Form
used to + infinitive / would + infinitive
Note that in negative and interrogative forms of used to, the 'd' is dropped because of the auxiliary verb did.
Common mistakes
When I was a child, I would be very shy.
When I was a child, I used to be very shy.
Being shy is a state, not a repeated action, so 'would' is incorrect.
I didn't used to like olives.
I didn't use to like olives.
In negative sentences with 'did', the base form 'use' is required.
Practice
Complete the sentence: 'Every summer, my grandfather ___ (sit) on the porch and tell us stories.' (Both are possible, but which sounds more nostalgic/narrative?)
Show answer
would sit
Answer:would sit
Why:While 'used to sit' is grammatically correct, 'would' is frequently used in storytelling to describe nostalgic, repeated past actions.
Correct the error: 'I would have a cat named Felix when I was ten.'
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I used to have a cat named Felix when I was ten.
Answer:I used to have a cat named Felix when I was ten.
Why:Possession (have) is a state, not a repeated action, so 'would' cannot be used.
True or False: 'Used to' can be used for an action that happened only once in the past.
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False
Answer:False
Why:'Used to' is only for habits or states that lasted for a period of time; for single events, use the Past Simple.