'would' as a form of the past

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi, could you please explain the use of would to describe events in the past? For example, when we talk about things we used to do we can use would:

When I was a child my parents would read stories to me.

What is the difference between these sentences:

There was a time when I would work more than 10 hours a day.
There was a time when I used to work more than 10 hours a day.
There was a time when I worked 10 hours a day.

Thanks again and have a good Saturday,
Nicole

2

Hi Nicole!

“Would” is normally used to describe a past routine, and it’s much widely used than “used to”. But I can’t see any difference whatsoever in meaning between both. So, for example, both: * He used to spend the day by the river.
and: * He would spend the day by the river.
bear the same meaning of past habit & routine.
Note, however, that when “used to” expresses a “discontinued habit” (i.e. I used to smoke a lot when I was younger), it CANNOT be replaced by “Would”. :lol:

3

Hi Ajanah, thank you for your explanation. Do you mean more widely used? Or maybe much more widely used? I mean, why would you use much to modify an adverb?
Regards
Nicole

4

:lol: Hi Nicole
just a misprint…thanks for that!! :lol: