litumi
B1+ · Upper-intermediate15 min

Would vs used to

Syllabus topic 9: Would vs used to

Would vs used to. Used to describes past habits and states no longer true.

How it works

Used to describes past habits and states no longer true. Would can describe repeated past actions once a past setting is established, but not normally a past state such as owning or believing. Neither is a normal choice for a single completed event.

Examples in context

Notice how each form fits its sentence. Read the context before choosing a form.

  • I used to own a motorbike, but I sold it.
  • Every summer as children, we would camp by the river.
  • Did she use to live here?
  • We visited the museum once last Tuesday.
  • He used to believe in ghosts.

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Question 1 of 50% complete

I ___ own a motorbike, but I sold it.

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