used to / would

When we talk about things in the past that are not true any more, we can do it in different ways.

Past states that are not true anymore.To talk about past habits (repeated past actions) that don't happen anymore

We can always use the past simple as an alternative to used to or would to talk about past states or habits

Do you know how to talk about past habits using used to, would and the past simple?

PAST SIMPLE

Used to

If something happened only once, we must use the past simple.

Past habits

would for past habits is slightly more formal than used to It is often used in stories

Used to/would

past simple doesn't emphasise the repeated or continuous nature of the action or situation

to talk about repeated past actions that don't happen any more.

We don't normally use the negative or question form of would for past habits

Would

would for past habits is slightly more formal than used to