Introduction & Warm-up
Final Lesson Objectives
Past Habits
Learn used to + base verb for past habits and states
Would for Stories
Master would + base verb for repeated past actions
Then vs Now Comparison
Complete Past Tense System:
Complete Structure Review
Mastery Check!
This is your final review. Master used to and would, then review all past forms you've learned in this course!
Used To Structure
Use used to for past habits or states that no longer exist.
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | used to + base verb | I used to play piano |
| Negative | didn't use to + base verb | I didn't use to like coffee |
| Question | Did + subject + use to + base verb | Did you use to live here? |
Would for Past Habits
Use would for repeated actions in the past (NOT for states).
| Usage | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Repeated Actions | would + base verb | We would visit grandma every Sunday |
| NOT for States | ❌ would + be/have/live | ❌ I would be tall (use: I used to be tall) |
Used To vs Would
USED TO (Both)
WOULD (Actions Only)
Complete Past Tense Summary
| Tense | Usage | Example | Time Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Past Simple | Completed actions | I went to Paris last year | Specific time |
| Past Continuous | Actions in progress | I was reading at 8pm | Ongoing activity |
| Used To | Past habits/states | I used to live in Tokyo | No longer true |
| Would | Repeated past actions | We would play every day | Regular activities |
Role-Play Scenarios
How Things Used To Be - Generational Conversation
Scenario: Grandparent-Grandchild Conversation
You're talking with a grandparent about how life was different in the past, comparing old traditions and habits with modern life.
Sentence Starters for Past vs Present
Past States & Habits
Repeated Past Actions
Past vs Present Questions
Family Tradition Sharing
Scenario: Family Reunion Planning
You're planning a family reunion and discussing old family traditions that have changed or disappeared over the years.
Sentence Starters for Family Traditions
Family Memories
Regular Family Activities
Changes Over Time
Practice Tip: Click on any dialogue line to hear the pronunciation. Use "used to" for past states and habits that no longer exist. Use "would" only for repeated actions, not states. Practice contrasting past and present!
Practice
Past vs Present Practice
Compare how things used to be with how they are now!
What did you use to do when you were younger?
Describe childhood habits and routines that have changed
Childhood Scenarios
1. School Days: Your school routine
"I used to walk to school every day"
"We would eat lunch in the cafeteria together"
2. After School: Free time activities
"I used to play outside until dark"
"My friends and I would ride our bikes everywhere"
3. Weekends: Family traditions
"We used to visit my grandparents every Sunday"
"My dad would make pancakes on Saturday mornings"
4. Holidays: Special celebrations
"We used to decorate the whole house for Christmas"
"My cousins would come stay with us during summer vacation"
Used To vs Would
Childhood Phrases
How has your life changed over time?
Compare past habits with current situations
Life Change Scenarios
1. Technology: How you communicate
"I used to write letters, but now I just text"
"We would wait for photos to be developed, but now we take digital pictures"
2. Work/School: Daily routines
"I used to have more free time before I started working"
"I would study in the library, but now I study at home"
3. Hobbies: Leisure activities
"I used to play sports, but now I prefer watching them"
"I would read books every night, but now I watch videos"
4. Living Situation: Home life
"I used to live with my parents, but now I have my own place"
"We would eat dinner together every night, but now everyone eats at different times"
Comparing Past and Present
Comparison Phrases
Practice Tip: Remember that "used to" can describe both past actions and states, while "would" only describes repeated actions. Use "used to" not "would" with stative verbs like "be", "have", "like", etc. Always contrast past habits with current situations for natural speaking practice.
Quiz
I _____ live in a small town when I was young.
Compare past and present living situations.
She _____ to work by bicycle every day.
Describe past transportation habits.
When we were children, we _____ play in the park every afternoon.
Talk about repeated childhood activities.
My grandfather _____ tell us amazing stories.
Remember past repeated actions.
I _____ like spicy food, but now I love it.
Express change in preferences over time.
Congratulations! You have mastered "used to" and "would" for describing past habits and repeated actions. Next up: Mixed Practice – review and combine all past forms in real-life situations!