Question

Used to and Would
(A) Read the passage given below. Substitute ‘used to’ with ‘would’ wherever appropriate so that the passage reads better.

When I was a student, I used to visit the library frequently. The librarian was a kind man and he used to help me select my books. There used to be a small tea shop near the library. After spending a few hours in the reading room of the library, 1 used to go to this tea shop to meet my friends. There used to be an old waiter who kept a corner table reserved for us.

Could you replace ‘used to’ with ‘would’ in every instance?
No. This is because they are used differently.

Read the passage again and complete the sentences below.

1. ‘used to’ is used to describe _______ in the present as well as situations that existed in the past.
2. ‘would’ is used to describe only _______ in the past.

(B) Think of the days when you were eight years old. Write down four or five things you would do or used to do or be. Make sentences like those in the box. Share your experiences with your partner.

Answer 1

(A)

1. ‘used to ‘is used to describe a habitual action done in the past but not (necessarily) continued in the present.
2. ‘would’ is used to describe only a habitual action in the past not necessarily discontinued afterwards.

(B)

When I was eight years old, I used to play with toys. My grandfather would give me these toys. My younger brother, who was four years old, used to break the toys. I would complain to my grandfather about him. My parents used to encourage me for devoting more time to study.