"Mastering the Use of 'Used To' and 'Would' for Talking About Past Habits"
When talking about past habits, it's important to use the correct verb forms to accurately convey the meaning. Two common forms used for this purpose are "used to" and "would". Here are some example sentences explaining their use:
- "I used to have a casual part-time job as a waiter when I was 16." In this sentence, "used to" indicates that the speaker had a habit of working as a waiter in the past, but doesn't do so anymore.
- "She would sit on our laps at night …" Here, "would" implies a repeated action that occurred in the past. The speaker is talking about a habit of the person sitting on their laps at night.
- "We used to think she was a real person." This sentence uses "used to" to describe a past belief or opinion.
- "They were used to seeing me as someone who couldn’t play or make things …" "Used to" is used here to indicate a past situation that was habitual or common.
- "I didn’t use to do very much exercise …" In this sentence, "didn't use to" means that the speaker didn't have the habit of doing much exercise in the past.
- "I just got used to being lazy!" "Got used to" implies that the speaker developed a habit of being lazy over time.
- "I think my fitness level’s a bit better than it used to be!" This sentence uses "used to" to compare the speaker's past and present level of fitness.
Using "used to" and "would" correctly can help convey past habits accurately and effectively.
- When I was a child, I used to play outside with my friends every day.
- When I started secondary school, I had to get used to waking up early and studying for long hours.
- After school, my classmates would often hang out at the park and play soccer.
- I have never got used to public speaking, it always makes me nervous.
- Compared to the past, I am more confident in my abilities than I used to be.
- By the time I went to secondary school, I was used to the routine of waking up early, getting dressed, and catching the bus to school.
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