About English with love. Modal verbs and constructions expressing habitual actions. Habits: used to, will, would When used to and would
For those who study English language, it can be difficult to master the "used to, be/get used to" rule. Many people simply confuse similar-sounding constructions. To use these phrases correctly, you need to understand what they mean.
past habits
Expression usedto denotes actions that often happened in the past, but no longer occur now. Usually the construction is translated as "before", "once".
I used to go for a walk every morning. unfortunately,Ihavenotimenow. - I used to go for a walk every morning. Unfortunately, I don't have time for that right now.
He used to be a shop assistant. Nowisamillionaire. - Once he was a salesman, and now he is a millionaire.
IN this case we are only talking about past habits, so the verb cannot be used in the present tense. In other words, you can't say "use to". The usage rules require the verb to be placed in past simple. If it is necessary to say about the habits that exist on this moment, use Present Simple.
I used to eat bananas for breakfast. - BeforeIateon thebreakfastbananas.
Iusuallyeatbananasforbreakfast. I usually eat bananas for breakfast.
Please note: after the particle to is always infinitive. Other forms of the verb are not allowed here.
My sister used to be a naughty child. - Mysisterwasnaughtychild.
Let's continue with the rule. usedto used not only in affirmative sentences. We can safely construct a negative or interrogative sentence.
In the question, the first place is given did, followed by the subject and use to. The past tense takes over the auxiliary verb, so you should use initial form useto.
Didsheusetowakeupearlywhenshewenttoschool? Did she have a habit of getting up early when she went to school?
Did they use to spend vacation together? - Beforetheycarried outtogethervacation?
IN negative sentences to auxiliary verb a particle is added not, but useto also put in the initial form.
I didn't use to smoke when I was a schoolboy. - Inotsmoked, whenwentinschool.
Shedidn'ttusetoplaygolf. She hasn't played golf before.
Used to or would?
When it comes to past habits, sometimes another expression is used - would.
Kate would go to a swimming pool once a week. - BeforeKatewentinswimming poolonceinweek.
Remember the important rule: usedto can indicate both an action and a state.
Action: Myparentsdidn'ttusetogotoagym. - My parents never went to the gym before.
State: John didn'tusetoloveRockmusic. - Once upon a time, John did not like rock music.
Would indicates only a repeated action in the past. It is not used to describe a state.
My friend used to go shopping every weekend. Myfriendwouldgoshoppingeveryweekend. My friend used to go shopping every weekend.
But you can't say: John would love rock music. This proposal should use usedto.
Would can also describe actions that happened from time to time (often with an element of nostalgia). A good translation in this case is the word "used."
InmychildhoodIwouldgoforapicnicalmosteveryweekend. - As a child, I used to go to a picnic almost every weekend.
If you don't specify the regularity of the action, use usedto, not would.
Whenhewasachildheusedtowakeuplate. - He woke up late when he was a child (general, no regularity indicated).
Whenhewasachild,hewouldwakeuplateatweekends. - When he was a child, he woke up late on weekends (it is indicated how often the action was performed).
have a habit of doing something
Let's look at another rule. used to often confused with to be used to. However, they have completely different meanings. Expression tobeusedto means "to have the habit of doing something", and it can be replaced by a synonymous construction tobeaccustomedto. Previously, a person did not do this, but now his way of life has changed.
Heisusedtogettingupat 9am. - He used to get up at 9 am (he didn't do that before).
Since we are talking about a habit that a person has at the moment, the verb tobe logical to put in the present tense. For past habits, use the expression we already know usedto/didn"t use to. Compare:
My brother didn't use to eat healthy food. - Mybrotherbeforenotateusefulfood.
Now he is used to eating healthy food. - Nowis heused toeatusefulfood.
Don't forget to put a particle to- there is no expression useddoing. The rule also requires the use of the gerund, not the infinitive.
Jesse is used to making his bed in the morning. - Jessieused tocoverbedonin the morning.
I am used to go to school on my foot. - Iused towalkinschoolon foot.
get used to something
Phrase togetusedto very close in value to the previous design. But there is a certain shade of meaning - “to get used to”, “to master”, “to adapt”. In this case, the synonymic construction would be tobecomeaccustomedto.
It is difficult to get used to a new climate. - TOnewclimatedifficultadapt.
Here we are talking about a habit that is just beginning to form.
He is getting used to doing the laundry twice a week. - Heaccustomsmyselfwashclothestwicebehindweek.
After the particle to you should also put a gerund.
TheyaregettingusedtospeakingChinese. They are getting used to speaking Chinese.
What grammatical tense should be used getusedto? The rule allows you to use any tense that makes sense.
Ittookhersometimetogetusedtonewtraditions. - It took some time before she got used to the new traditions.
In a few weeks you will get used to the local cuisine. - Acrosscoupleweeksyouget used totolocalkitchen.
Exercises
We have discussed in detail the use usedto/beusedto/getusedto. The rule separates these constructions in meaning and grammatically. Practice using them in practice. Insert the appropriate words into the text. Be sure to select the correct time.
- Jane -- smoke a lot. Then she quit it. Jen used to smoke a lot. But then she quit smoking.
- I see you -_ new rules. Keep it up! I see you are getting used to the new rules. Keep it up!
- How long did it take him to _ living in the suburbs? How long did it take him to get used to life in the suburbs?
- You_be very hardworking. You have become a lazybones! - You were so hardworking. You have become lazy!
- We _ speaking two languages. We are used to speaking two languages.
- He _ coming in time. He taught himself to be on time.
- I _ drinking tea. Coffee is bad for my health. - I've got into the habit of drinking tea. Coffee is bad for me.
- Why don't you _ putting fewer spices in your food. I can't eat it! - Why don't you train yourself to put less spices in your food! I can't eat it!
- I _ sweeping the floor every day. - I used to sweep the floor every day.
- I_his pronunciation. Does anyone understand what he says? - I can't get used to his pronunciation. Does anyone even understand what he's saying?
- Monika _ be a doctor, but she has already retired. Monika used to be a doctor. But she is already retired.
- We _ be friends. Then something went wrong. - We were friends. But then something went wrong.
In English, especially in colloquial speech, turnover is often used used to. You can hear it in a conversation, in a movie, on the radio, in a newspaper, or in a work of art. In fact, these are three similar, but having a different turnover value: . And none of these options has the meaning of “use something”, like the verb to use. Let's analyze these turnovers in more detail.
Table: used to \ be used to \ get used to - rules and examples
This table shows schemes, meaning, examples of the use of three types of sentences with used to. Read more detailed analysis below.
| used to | Be used to | Get used to | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Scheme |
Only in the past tense. |
In past and present tense. |
In the past, present, future. |
| Meaning |
|
|
|
| Example |
As a child, I read more. |
I'm used to life in New York.
I'm used to New York. |
I'm used to playing sports.
You will get used to this place. |
Turnover used to - action in the past
Offers from used to built according to the scheme: I used to do something.
Where instead I can be any other subject: he, she, they, Boris, my friend, etc., but instead of to do- any action expressed in the initial form , including instead of to do verb can be used to be(to be). Turnover is used only in past tense.
turnover used to used in two cases.
1. The action took place some time in the past, but is no longer happening
Please note that the time period is not clearly defined (earlier, when I was young, years ago, etc.)
Examples:
I used to smoke a lot but now I don't. - I am a lot smoked but now I don't smoke.
Martin used to gamble when he was younger. – Martin played gambling when I was younger.
He smoked a lot - this is an action that took place for a long time in the past, and the period of time is not specifically outlined. Now this action is no longer happening (“I don’t smoke now”).
Gambling is also an action related to the past. The time period has blurred frames (“when he was younger”). In this example, it is not directly stated that Martin is no longer playing, but the interlocutor understands this without clarification, because. it implies turnover used to.
A very common pattern is I used to be, that is, the verb “to be” is used as a verb in this scheme.
You used to be smarter. - You were smarter.
There used to be a farm here but now there is a mall. “There used to be a farm here, and now this is a shopping center.
I used to be an adventurer like you then I took an arrow in the knee. “I was also an adventurer like you, but then I was shot in the knee with an arrow.
2. Action in the past was ordinary, repetitive
In my childhood I used to read fairy tales. “I used to read fairy tales as a child.
This means: he used to, the habit of reading fairy tales, read them from time to time.
When Elvis sang used to take off his scarf and give it to girls in the audience. - When Elvis sang, he took off his scarf and gave it to the girls from the auditorium.
I mean, Elvis had this habit, he often did this.
Please note that in this case it is possible to use almost without distortion of meaning not only used to, but also a verb. Also, the form is sometimes used in this meaning, but this option is less common.
In my childhood I used to read fairy tales = In my childhood I would read fairy tales.
When Elvis sang used to take off his scarf and give it to girls in the audience = When Elvis sang, he would take off his scarf and give it to girls in the audience.
Turnover be used to - have a habit
Offers with this turnover are built according to the schemes: I am used to doing something or I am used to something.
Instead of I any other subject can be used. Instead of doing- verb with ending -ing. Not only a verb, but also or can act as a quality.
turnover be used to means get used to something. Unlike used to do something, this turnover can be used in the past and present tense.
Examples with verb addition:
I am used to reading only the English Wikipedia, although my native tongue is Russian. - I used to read only English-language Wikipedia, although my native language is Russian.
my friend was used to live in a small town. - My friend used to live in a small town.
Examples with complement-noun and pronoun:
That job is ok for me, I 'm used to hard work. This job suits me used to to hard work.
I don't want to move, I 'm used to my apartment. - I don't want to move used to to your apartment.
I 'm used to it. - I used to to that.
Turnover get used to - get used to something
Offers with turnover get used to are constructed with a verb, noun, or pronoun as an object, mostly in the past and future tenses. Has the meaning: get into the habit. Don't have the habit be used to, namely to acquire.
That's what we eat for dinner. Get used to it. - This is what we have for lunch. get used to.
I got used to living in Canada in spite of the cold weather. - I used to live in Canada despite the cold weather.
He doesn't like his new job but he will get used to it. He doesn't like his new job, but he goes to her get used to.
Interrogative and negative forms
Interrogative and negative forms of sentences with used to, be used to, get used to built according to the schemes:
| used to | Be used to | Get used to | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statement | I used to sleep a lot | I'm used to working hard | I got used to my new job |
| Negation |
I didn't use to sleep a lot |
I'm not used to working hard | I didn't get used to my new job |
| Question | Did I use to sleep a lot? | Am I used to working hard? | Did I get used to my new job? |
I also note that questions used to rarely asked. As a rule, the question can be built, for example, in or, and the answer sounds already with used to.
Let's imagine a situation. John and Mark started talking about tennis. It turned out that Mark is well versed in the topic. Naturally, John assumed that Mark was into tennis.
John: Do you play tennis? - Do you play tennis?
mark: I used to. But then I had an injury. – Played (before). But then he got injured.
It would be strange if John asked this question: Did you use to play tennis? He assumed that Mark plays tennis, and did not play once, and then stopped.
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Today we are going to talk about habits. In English, there are many grammatical constructions, thanks to which we can indicate not only the time of this or that action, but also give different shades to what has been said, for example, express our attitude to the event.
In this article, we will talk about how we can talk about habits and express our attitude towards them using constructions. Would and Used to.
used to
It is used when we talk about actions that were familiar to us in the past, but do not take place in the present. That is, we did something before, but now we have stopped. For example, if you used to smoke but quit, you might say:
— I used to smoke.
You can add that you have already quit (but I gave up this habit – but I gave up this habit), but there is no need for this, since the construction “used to” already shows that the action is in the past and has nothing to do with present.
Or, for example, as a child you drank a lot of soda, but now you have stopped, then you can say:
— I used to drink fizzy water, when I was a child.
Also, this construction can be used with the verb “to be”, for example:
— He used to be a slob, but now he's the neatest person I know. He used to be a slob, but now he's the neatest person I know.
In interrogative and negative sentences, this construction is rarely used, they usually use the simple past tense (Past Simple), but, nevertheless, it is used from time to time.
Interrogative sentences are built using the auxiliary verb “did”, which is placed at the beginning of the sentence, while the verb “use” is used in the first form:
Did you use to eat junk food? – Did you have a habit of eating fatty foods (fast food)?
Negation is constructed in the same way:
- No, I didn't use to eat junk food. – No, I didn’t have a habit of eating fatty foods.
(fast food).
You can also sometimes find the following form of negative sentences:
— I used not to eat junk food.
Special attention should be paid to pronunciation:
“used to” is not pronounced like two individual words, they seem to merge into one, the ending “d” drops out during pronunciation, it turns out that we pronounce “used to” like.
Would + V1
The construction “Would + verb in the first form” is also used when we are talking about an action that was familiar to us in the past. However, the difference between these two grammatical constructions is that the second one is more often used when we are nostalgic for the old days.
- When I was a child I would go to the cinema with my father every weekend - when I was little, I went to the cinema with my father every weekend.
In this sentence, we emphasize that we miss those times. We can replace "Would + V1" with "Used to" if we don't care about that tinge of nostalgia. However, it is not always possible to replace “Used to” with “Would”, since the first construction is used in cases where the action took place regularly, constantly; the second can be used when we are talking about an action that was repeated from time to time. In Russian, we would use the word "happened" in such cases:
— After walking in the park my brother and I would buy a portion of ice cream, that ice-cream was the best in the World! - after a walk in the park, my brother and I used to buy ice cream each, that ice cream was the best in the world!
To be used to
This design literally translates as "to be accustomed to something." After it, either a noun or a verb with the addition of the ending "ing" is always used. For example:
— Don't you want to buy a new phone?
— No, I don't. I'm used to mine.
— Do you want to buy a new phone?
No, I'm used to mine.
— I'm used to drinking coffee every morning. I am used to drinking coffee every morning.
To get used to
This construction means "to get used to something". As in the previous case, a noun or a verb with the ending "ing" is used after it. For example:
- He's getting used to waking up so early - He gets used to waking up so early.
That is, he used to get up late, but now he has to get used to waking up early.
- I guess I can get used to using this new program - I think I can get used to using this new program.
Please explain in which cases "used to" should be used, and in which - "would". I would be very grateful if you could explain this with examples.
- Answer
Hi Wojtek. Good question - a lot of students have trouble with the difference between " used to"and" would".
Hello Wojtek. Good question - many students have trouble understanding the difference between " used to" And " would".
We use both of these to talk about things in the past which we don "t do now or are not happening now. Sometimes both "used to" and "would" are OK in one sentence - sometimes only "used to".
We use both of these words when we talk about things we did in the past but no longer do now, or things that happened in the past but don't happen now. In some cases, in the same sentence can be used as " used to", so and " would", and in other cases - only " used to".
Let "s start with some examples of "used to" first. We might say,
Let's first look at examples where "used to" is used. We could say:
- "I used to
- "When he was at school, he used to
- "She used to hate her job until she got a promotion."
- "She hated her job until she got promoted."
All of these sentences describe actions or situations in the past, which are finished now; living in Manchester, playing football every Saturday, hating her job - these are all finished now.
All of these sentences describe actions or situations that have happened in the past and ended by now: lived in Manchester, played football every Saturday, hated my job - it's all over now.
We use "used to" to talk about actions or situations that continued for some time in the past, not for events which happened suddenly or just for a moment. So we can"t say: "I used to have a really good idea when I was brushing my teeth this morning," because "having a really good idea" happens suddenly - in one moment.
We use " used to" when talking about actions or situations that lasted for some time in the past, and not about events that happened suddenly, at one moment. Therefore, we cannot say: "I used to have a really good idea when I was brushing my teeth this morning = I really had a good idea when I was brushing my teeth this morning" because "having a really good idea = having a really good idea" is an action that happens suddenly, in an instant.
Now let's move on to "would". Here are some examples:
Now let's move on to "would". Here are some examples:
- "When he was at university, he would sleep until noon at the weekends."
- "When he was at university, he slept until noon on weekends."
- "My sister lived in Australia for many years, but she would always come home for Christmas."
- "My sister lived in Australia for many years, but she always came home for Christmas."
- "I would always forget my homework, until the teacher threatened to punish me."
- "I always forgot my homework until the teacher threatened to punish me."
Again, these sentences are about situations in the past, which are finished. However, it "s important to notice that all the sentences, here, are about actions or situations which were repeated again and again and again. Sleeping until noon at the weekends, coming home for Christmas, forgetting my homework - all these things were repeated many times, again and again and again.
In these sentences, we are again talking about situations in the past that have ended. However, it is important to note that the actions or situations in these sentences were repeatedly repeated over and over and over again. Sleeping until noon on the weekends, coming home for Christmas, forgetting homework - all this was repeated many times, again and again and again.
This is the difference between "would" and "used to" - we only use actions "would" to describe or situations that were repeated again and again and again... But we use "used to" for any extended action or situation in the past.
This is the difference between "would" and "used to" - " would"we use only when we describe actions or situations that have been repeated over and over and over again ... A" used to" we use to describe any long-term action or situation in the past.
"Would" is only good for actions or situations that were repeated many times; "used to" is good for any action or situation that continued for a period of time in the past, including repeated actions or situations.
"Would" is the correct word only for actions or situations that have been repeated many times; " used to" is suitable for any action or situation that continued for a certain period of time in the past, including repetitive actions or situations.
To make this clearer, let "s look at the three examples of "used to" sentences, and see if we can change them into "would" sentences.
To clarify what has been said, let's look at three examples with "used to" and find out if it is possible to change "used to" to "would" in these sentences.
Here's the first example again:
Let's take another look at the first example:
- "I used to live in Manchester, but I moved to London last year."
- "I used to live in Manchester but moved to London last year."
Can we use "would" instead of "used to" here? No, we can't, because "living in Manchester" wasn't repeated again and again and again. It "s simply a situation in the past. Therefore, only "used to" is good in this sentence.
Can we use "would" instead of "used to" here? No, we can't because "lived in Manchester" is a situation that hasn't happened over and over again. It's just a situation in the past. So only " used to".
The second example again:
Now the second example:
- "When he was at school, he used to play football every Saturday."
- "When he was in school, he played football every Saturday."
Here, we're talking about "playing football every Saturday". This is an action that was repeated many times, so we can also say.
For those who study English, it can be difficult to master the “used to, be / get used to” rule. Many people simply confuse similar-sounding constructions. To use these phrases correctly, you need to understand what they mean.
past habits
Expression usedto denotes actions that often happened in the past, but no longer occur now. Usually the construction is translated as "before", "once".
I used to go for a walk every morning. unfortunately,Ihavenotimenow. - I used to go for a walk every morning. Unfortunately, I don't have time for that right now.
He used to be a shop assistant. Nowisamillionaire. - Once he was a salesman, and now he is a millionaire.
In this case, we are only talking about past habits, so the verb cannot be used in the present tense. In other words, you can't say "use to". The rules of use require the verb to be put in the Past Simple. If you need to talk about the habits that exist at the moment, use the Present Simple.
I used to eat bananas for breakfast. - BeforeIateon thebreakfastbananas.
Iusuallyeatbananasforbreakfast. I usually eat bananas for breakfast.
Please note: after the particle to is always infinitive. Other forms of the verb are not allowed here.
My sister used to be a naughty child. - Mysisterwasnaughtychild.
Let's continue with the rule. usedto used not only in affirmative sentences. We can safely construct a negative or interrogative sentence.
In the question, the first place is given did, followed by the subject and use to. The past tense is taken over by the auxiliary verb, so the initial form should be used useto.
Didsheusetowakeupearlywhenshewenttoschool? Did she have a habit of getting up early when she went to school?
Did they use to spend vacation together? - Beforetheycarried outtogethervacation?
In negative sentences, a particle is added to the auxiliary verb not, but useto also put in the initial form.
I didn't use to smoke when I was a schoolboy. - Inotsmoked, whenwentinschool.
Shedidn'ttusetoplaygolf. She hasn't played golf before.
Used to or would?
When it comes to past habits, sometimes another expression is used - would.
Kate would go to a swimming pool once a week. - BeforeKatewentinswimming poolonceinweek.
Remember the important rule: usedto can indicate both an action and a state.
Action: Myparentsdidn'ttusetogotoagym. - My parents never went to the gym before.
State: John didn'tusetoloveRockmusic. - Once upon a time, John did not like rock music.
Would indicates only a repeated action in the past. It is not used to describe a state.
My friend used to go shopping every weekend. Myfriendwouldgoshoppingeveryweekend. My friend used to go shopping every weekend.
But you can't say: John would love rock music. This proposal should use usedto.
Would can also describe actions that happened from time to time (often with an element of nostalgia). A good translation in this case is the word "used."
InmychildhoodIwouldgoforapicnicalmosteveryweekend. - As a child, I used to go to a picnic almost every weekend.
If you don't specify the regularity of the action, use usedto, not would.
Whenhewasachildheusedtowakeuplate. - He woke up late when he was a child (general, no regularity indicated).
Whenhewasachild,hewouldwakeuplateatweekends. - When he was a child, he woke up late on weekends (it is indicated how often the action was performed).
have a habit of doing something
Let's look at another rule. used to often confused with to be used to. However, they have completely different meanings. Expression tobeusedto means "to have the habit of doing something", and it can be replaced by a synonymous construction tobeaccustomedto. Previously, a person did not do this, but now his way of life has changed.
Heisusedtogettingupat 9am. - He used to get up at 9 am (he didn't do that before).
Since we are talking about a habit that a person has at the moment, the verb tobe logical to put in the present tense. For past habits, use the expression we already know usedto/didn"t use to. Compare:
My brother didn't use to eat healthy food. - Mybrotherbeforenotateusefulfood.
Now he is used to eating healthy food. - Nowis heused toeatusefulfood.
Don't forget to put a particle to- there is no expression useddoing. The rule also requires the use of the gerund, not the infinitive.
Jesse is used to making his bed in the morning. - Jessieused tocoverbedonin the morning.
I am used to go to school on my foot. - Iused towalkinschoolon foot.
get used to something
Phrase togetusedto very close in value to the previous design. But there is a certain shade of meaning - “to get used to”, “to master”, “to adapt”. In this case, the synonymic construction would be tobecomeaccustomedto.
It is difficult to get used to a new climate. - TOnewclimatedifficultadapt.
Here we are talking about a habit that is just beginning to form.
He is getting used to doing the laundry twice a week. - Heaccustomsmyselfwashclothestwicebehindweek.
After the particle to you should also put a gerund.
TheyaregettingusedtospeakingChinese. They are getting used to speaking Chinese.
What grammatical tense should be used getusedto? The rule allows you to use any tense that makes sense.
Ittookhersometimetogetusedtonewtraditions. - It took some time before she got used to the new traditions.
In a few weeks you will get used to the local cuisine. - Acrosscoupleweeksyouget used totolocalkitchen.
Exercises
We have discussed in detail the use usedto/beusedto/getusedto. The rule separates these constructions in meaning and grammatically. Practice using them in practice. Insert the appropriate words into the text. Be sure to select the correct time.
- Jane -- smoke a lot. Then she quit it. Jen used to smoke a lot. But then she quit smoking.
- I see you -_ new rules. Keep it up! I see you are getting used to the new rules. Keep it up!
- How long did it take him to _ living in the suburbs? How long did it take him to get used to life in the suburbs?
- You_be very hardworking. You have become a lazybones! - You were so hardworking. You have become lazy!
- We _ speaking two languages. We are used to speaking two languages.
- He _ coming in time. He taught himself to be on time.
- I _ drinking tea. Coffee is bad for my health. - I've got into the habit of drinking tea. Coffee is bad for me.
- Why don't you _ putting fewer spices in your food. I can't eat it! - Why don't you train yourself to put less spices in your food! I can't eat it!
- I _ sweeping the floor every day. - I used to sweep the floor every day.
- I_his pronunciation. Does anyone understand what he says? - I can't get used to his pronunciation. Does anyone even understand what he's saying?
- Monika _ be a doctor, but she has already retired. Monika used to be a doctor. But she is already retired.
- We _ be friends. Then something went wrong. - We were friends. But then something went wrong.
