Would and Used to

We use used to + verb or would + verb describe repeated actions in the past:

I used to keep the windows closed when I first moved in.

I would leave the windows open whenever I was at home.

Used to + verb - Can be used for talking about:

• an extended action or situation in the past, which is now finished now.

• a past state that is no longer true.

• an old habit (that we no longer do).

We used to live in London when I was a kid (but we don’t live there now).

When he was at school, he used to play football every Saturday.

She used to hate her job until she got a promotion. 

Would + verb - Can only be used for old habits (that we no longer do).

Note: would cannot be used with Stative Verbs. 

When he was at university, he would sleep until noon at the weekends.

My sister lived in Australia, but she would always come home for Christmas.

I would always forget my homework, until the teacher threatened to punish me. 

We cannot use used to + verb or would + verb to:

• refer to specific restricted periods in the past

• say how many times something happened.

• for events which happened suddenly or just for a moment.

We use the SIMPLE PAST instead:  

✘ I used to go to London twice when I was young.

🗸 I went to London twice when I was young.