Used to vs. Would

We can use would in a similar way to used to but there are some differences.

1. We use would and use to talk about repeat actions and events in the past.

I used to visit my grandparents every summer.

I would visit my grandparents every summer.

2. Only used to can be used to talk about past states.

I used to have a motorbike. CORRECT

I would have a motorbike. INCORRECT

3. We only use ‘use to’ to talk about past habitual behaviour.

I used to smoke when I was a teenager. CORRECT

I would smoke when I was a teenager. INCORRECT

Click on the links below to learn more about the Past Tenses