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FORM Used to
[USED TO] + [verb]
EXAMPLES:
I used to go to the beach everyday.
USE 1 Habit in the Past
"Used to" expresses the idea that something was an old habit that stopped in the past. It says that something was often repeated in the past, but it is not usually done now.
EXAMPLES:
Jerry used to study English.
Sam and Mary used to go to Mexico in the summer.
I used to start work at 9 o'clock.
Christine used to eat meat, but now she is a vegetarian.
USE 2 Past Fact
"Used to" can also be used to talk about past facts or generalizations which are no longer true.
EXAMPLES:
I used to live in Paris.
Sarah used to be fat, but now she is thin.
George used to be the best student in class, but now Tomiko is the best.
Oranges used to cost very little in Florida, but now they are quite expensive.
ACTIVE / PASSIVE Used to
EXAMPLES:
Jerry used to pay the bills. ACTIVE
The bills used to be paid by Jerry. PASSIVE
FORM Would Always
[WOULD ALWAYS] + [verb]
EXAMPLE:
I would always take my surf board to the beach with me.
USE 1 Habit in the Past
Like "Used to" and Simple Past, "Would Always" expresses the idea that something was an old habit which stopped in the past. It says that something was often repeated in the past, but it is not usually done now. This form suggests that someone willingly acted that way and often expresses annoyance or amusement at the habit. It can also suggest the habit was extreme.
EXAMPLES:
She would always send me strange birthday gifts.
Sam and Mary would always choose the most exotic vacation destinations.
Sally would always arrive early.
Christine would always come late to the meetings
IMPORTANT "Would Always" is Different
"Would Always" is not exactly the same as "Used to" or the Simple Past. "Would Always" cannot be used to talk about past facts or generalizations. It can only be used for repeated actions.
EXAMPLES:
Sarah was shy, but now she is very outgoing. CORRECT
Sarah used to be shy, but now she is very outgoing. CORRECT
Sarah would always be shy, but now she is very outgoing. NOT CORRECT
IMPORTANT Other Forms Are Possible
This type of repetition in the past is usually expressed by "Would Always"; however, other forms are also possible. English speakers often use "would constantly," "would forever" or simply "would." Although the last form "would" is correct, it is not suggested because it can easily be confused with other verb forms such as the Conditional or Future in the Past. "Would never" can also be used to express the concept that someone always refused to do something in the past.
EXAMPLES:
Jerry would always bring his younger brother to the parties. CORRECT
Jerry would constantly bring his younger brother to the parties. CORRECT
Jerry would bring his younger brother to the parties. CORRECT
Jerry would never bring his younger brother to the parties. CORRECT
(Opposite meaning = Jerry refused to bring his younger brother with him to the parties.)
ACTIVE / PASSIVE Would Always
EXAMPLES:
Jerry would always pay the bills. ACTIVE
The bills would always be paid by Jerry. PASSIVE