Would vs Used to

"Used to" and "Would"

for past habits

What does "used to" mean here?

1. I used to have short hair. 2. I used to play tennis when I was a child. 3. I used to be a singer before I was a teacher.

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What are the negative and interrogative forms?

I _______ ________ to play tennis. ______ you _________ play tennis?

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“Would” can replace “used to” in one of the three sentences with the same meaning. In which sentence is "would" possible?

1. I used to have short hair. 2. I used to play tennis when I was a child. 3. I used to be a singer before I was a teacher.

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Used to vs Would

WOULD

USED TO

Action verbs and Stative verbs.

Only action verbs.

Establishes a time period.

No time period needed.

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

Used with (-) and (?)

1. Examples

Look at the following sentences, and decide if we can only use “used to” or if “would” is also possible.

Let's talk about your past habits...

1. What games did you use to play when you were a child?
2. Where did you use to go on holiday?
3. Are there any foods or drinks you used to hate when you were young that you like now?
4. What did you use to look like when you were a teenager?
5. What hairstyle did you use to have?
6. What clothes did you use to have?
7. What did you use to do at the weekends?
8. What kind of movies/music/books did you use to like?

1. Write 2 sentences describing things that you used to do when you were a child.
2. Read your text to your partner.
3. Ask some questions about their habits and why they don’t do them anymore.

Thank you!

Let's watch!

Make sentences about Danielle's past habits and compare your ideas with your partner.