used to and would

Level B2 · past habits

How do you talk about past habits?

used to describes things that were true or happened regularly in the past but are not true now. would can replace it for repeated actions.

When you use it

Childhood memories.
How life was different before.

Pattern

used to + verb · would + verb (actions only)

Examples

I **used to** live in Cairo. — a past state → used to only
We **would** play outside every day. — a repeated action

Watch out: Not “I would live in Cairo” — would does not work for states.

The rule

used to + verb for past habits and states that are no longer true. would also works for repeated past actions — not for states.

Then → now: I used to live in Cairo. → (Now I don't.)

Common mistakes

Not: ~~I would have long hair.~~ — But: I used to have long hair. (a state)
Not: ~~Did you used to…?~~ — But: Did you use to…?

Practise this lesson — Practice rounds, a score and your progress are in the free app.

Practise this lesson · Start learning — it’s free