Explanation
Exercises
Past Habits — would vs used to
Habits Rituals Past states

Quick map

FormUseTime frameExample
used to + V1 repeated past actions and past states that are not true now whole period in the past I used to go skating every winter. / She used to be shy.
would + V1 repeated past actions (rituals/routines); not for states often after time setting (“When I was…”, “Every summer…”) Every Sunday we would visit my grandparents.

Both choices are grammatical for actions; only used to works with states (be, have, know, like, etc.).

used to — form & meaning

  • Meaning contrast with the present: We used to live near the beach (=we don’t now).
  • Form negative: didn’t use to; questions: Did you use to…? (write use, not *used* after did).
  • States allowed used to be / have / believe / know etc.
  • No present equivalent for current habits use present simple + adverbs: We usually eat out on Saturdays.

would — narrative habits

  • Meaning repeated, characteristic actions: At camp, we would swim before breakfast.
  • Set the time first Often follows a past-time frame: When I was a kid, Dad would read to us.
  • Not for states ✖ I would be blond → ✔ I used to be blond.
  • Stylistic note would can sound more story-like/nostalgic than used to.

Using both in a story

A common pattern is to introduce the background with used to (state) and then list typical actions with would:

  • We used to live on a farm.
  • Every morning, my grandpa would milk the cows and I would collect the eggs.

Choosing guide

Question to askPickExample
Is it a state (be/know/have/like)…? used to She used to have long hair.
Is it a repeated action? (a routine/ritual) either used to or would On Fridays we used to order / would order pizza.
Do you want a storytelling vibe after a time frame? would Every winter the river froze and boys would skate on it.

Typical time markers

  • for both every…, on Sundays, each summer, at weekends, after school
  • for used to when I was a child / in my teens / back then
  • pronunciation used to → /ˈjuːst tə/ (the d is silent in fast speech).

Common pitfalls

  • ❌ Did you used to…? (spelling) → ✔ Did you use to…?
  • ❌ I would live with my mum when I was a child. (state) → ✔ I used to live with my mum.
  • Don’t mix with other would uses (politeness/conditionals): I’d help if I could ≠ past habit.
Exercises:
1
2

Past Habits: “Would” vs “Used to”

Choose the correct option for each sentence.
1
When I was a child I ____ like peanuts.
A.
B.
C.
2
In the morning, he ____ sit on the porch and read.
A.
B.
C.
3
Which sentence is NOT correct?
A.
B.
C.
4
On summer evenings, we ____ swim in the lake until dark.
A.
B.
C.
5
My grandmother ____ in a small village before she moved to the city.
A.
B.
C.
6
Every time I visited, my uncle ____ tell the same joke.
A.
B.
C.
7
I ____ be shy, but now I’m more confident.
A.
B.
C.
8
There ____ be a cinema here, but it closed years ago.
A.
B.
C.
9
On winter nights we ____ gather round the fire and tell stories.
A.
B.
C.
10
When we were kids, our dad ____ take us to school every day, but later we took the bus.
A.
B.
C.

Past Habits: “Would” vs “Used to”

Complete the sentences using the verb in brackets with the correct form of used to or would. If both used to and would are possible, use WOULD.

When I was little, my family 1 (live) in a small town by the sea. On summer evenings we 2 (walk) along the pier and my dad 3 (buy) us ice cream. We 4 (not have) a car, so we 5 (ride) our bikes everywhere.

Each morning my sister 6 (feed) the chickens and I 7 (collect) the eggs. There 8 (be) a tiny cinema on the square, and on Saturdays the owner 9 (open) early just for kids.

The neighbours 10 (know) everyone, and our door 11 (stay) unlocked. In winter it 12 (get) dark very early, so Mum 13 (light) the fire and we 14 (sit) around it listening to stories. Back then I 15 (think) our town was the whole world.