Would (2)
Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2012 5:54 am
While I was studying would in two grammar books, I faced a little oppositeness.
One says: We use would/used to for repeated actions or routines in the past.
(a) We would/used to eat out on Sundays.
(b) - Do you remember Uncle Danny?
- Yes. He would always bring us presents.
While, the other says:
When we use would to talk about a past habit, it is necessary to use a past time
reference.
Used to can be used with or without a past time reference.
e.g. I used to go a lot. NOT I would go out a lot.
In the sentences above, especially in (b), there is not an obvious past time reference, I think.
Moreover, in the first definition, nothing concerning a past time reference is mentioned.
Dear TEACHER! Can I use the following sentences with would instead of
used to without a past time reference ?
1) I would work in the same department as your sister.
2) He would go for a run everyday.
Many thanks...
One says: We use would/used to for repeated actions or routines in the past.
(a) We would/used to eat out on Sundays.
(b) - Do you remember Uncle Danny?
- Yes. He would always bring us presents.
While, the other says:
When we use would to talk about a past habit, it is necessary to use a past time
reference.
Used to can be used with or without a past time reference.
e.g. I used to go a lot. NOT I would go out a lot.
In the sentences above, especially in (b), there is not an obvious past time reference, I think.
Moreover, in the first definition, nothing concerning a past time reference is mentioned.
Dear TEACHER! Can I use the following sentences with would instead of
used to without a past time reference ?
1) I would work in the same department as your sister.
2) He would go for a run everyday.
Many thanks...