Used to vs Would

When I was a child I ____ like peanuts.

• didn't use to

• wouldn't

• both are correct

Answer explanation

We can use used to + infinitive (NOT would) to talk about situations or states which were true in the past.
➪ We can only use would to talk about repeated actions in the past.

In the morning, he _______ sit on the front porch and read.

• used to

• would

• both are possible

Answer explanation

This is a past habit or repeated action, so both would and used to can be used.

Which sentence is NOT correct?

• I would go shopping with her every Friday.

• I would have very blond hair.

• She would call me after class to chat.

Answer explanation

Have very blond hair is a state, not a past repeated action. Only used to can be used.

I _______ wear glasses when I was at university.

• didn't use to

• wouldn't

• both are correct

Answer explanation

Wear glasses is a past state or continuous action, not a repeated action. Only used to can be used.

When the weather was bad, I _______ stay home and read comic books.

• used to

• would

• both are possible

Answer explanation

This is a past repeated action, so both would and used to can be used.

How many friends _______ have?

• did you use to

• would you

• both are possible

Answer explanation

This is a past state, not a past repeated action. Only used to can be used.

Which sentence is NOT correct?

• I didn't use to like cheese when I was younger.

• I didn't use to walk home after school.

• As a child, I would hate having to get up early.

Answer explanation

Hate, love, etc. are past states, not a past repeated action. Only used to can be used.

When I was a child, we _______ live in the countryside.

• used to

• would

• both are possible

Answer explanation

This is a past state, not a past repeated action. Only used to can be used.

On Sundays, my mum _______ wake us up and cook pancakes.

• used to

• would

• both are possible

Answer explanation

This is a past repeated action, so both would and used to can be used.

My brother and I _______ fight all the time.

• used to

• would

• both are possible

Answer explanation

This is a past repeated action, so both would and used to can be used.