Book Written in English

How to Talk About Past Habits in English

Do you know how to use PAST SIMPLE, USED TO, and WOULD?

In this lesson, we will talk about past habits. Past habits are something you did in the past but don’t do now.

Past Simple + time word/expression for Past Habits

Think about when you were 10 years old.

What did you like to do?

I played basketball twice a week.

I went to visit my grandparents every summer.

In the first sentence, the verb “played” is in the past simple. The time expression is “twice a week.” 

I played basketball twice a week when I was 10. I don’t play basketball now. This is a PAST HABIT.

In the second sentence, the verb “went” is in the past simple. The time expression is “every summer.

Used to + infinitive for Past Habits

We can use “used to” to say the same sentences as before.

I used to play basketball when I was 10.

I used to visit my grandparents every summer.

These are actions I did in the past, that I don’t do now.

Be careful! Don’t write the “d” in “used” when you are asking a question or using the negative.

I didn’t use to play soccer.

Did you use to visit your cousins?

You can also use “used to” with a state verb.

I used to have a dog.

State verbs are verbs that talk about a state, not an action. You cannot start or stop a state verb easily. 

Examples of state verbs: like, hate, believe, prefer, need, suppose…

Would + infinitive for Past Habits

We can use “would” to say the same sentences as before.

I would play basketball twice a week.

I would visit my grandparents every summer.

Would + infinitive is ONLY for ACTION verbs.

Incorrect: I would have a dog.

Correct: I used to have a dog. I had a dog when I was 10.

Practice

Complete the sentences with past simple / used to / would. Then, write what the person does now using present simple.

  1. My brother _____________________ (play) with toys every night after dinner. Now he ____________________.
  2. I ________________ (live) in Argentina when I was younger. Now I ___________________.
  3. My best friend ______________ (talk) to me on the phone for hours. Now my best friend ____________________.
  4. The singer  ____________ (drink) some water before every concert. Now the singer __________________.
  5. My mother  _________________ (have) long hair. Now my mother ______________.

You can find the answers to the practice at the bottom of this post.

Good job!

I hope you liked this lesson. Please leave a comment below if you have any questions.

Check out this guide to easy Au Pair English.

If you are preparing for the Cambridge B2 First (FCE) exam, try these lessons:

Email/Letter Writing Guide for FCE

B2 First Speaking Part 1 Lesson

Second and Third Conditional Grammar Lesson


Pin this image on Pinterest under LEARN ENGLISH to help you remember this lesson!

Past Habits in English Infographic

Answers

  1. played / used to play / would play. Suggested answer: Now he plays video games every night after dinner.
  2. lived / used to live. Suggested answer: Now I live in Spain.
  3. talked / used to talk / would talk. Suggested answer: Now my best friends texts me for hours.
  4. drank / used to drink / would drink. Suggested answer: Now the singer drinks tea with honey before every concert.
  5. had / used to have. Suggested answer: Now my mother has short hair.

ESL Teacher 365 Online Courses & Memberships

Teach Online in 10 Days Mini-Course

A step-by-step 10 lesson mini-course that will teach you how to become an online teacher so that you can life a life of freedom & flexibility - with unlimited income potential!

TEFL Teacher Roadmap Teach Course

A proven step-by-step formula that will teach you how to move abroad with confidence & clarity. A self-study online course for anyone asking "NOW WHAT?!" after completiting their TEFL certificate.

Teach Abroad Club Membership

Ready to start your teach abroad adventure? Teach Abroad Club is the ONLY monthly membership & community that supports you through the teach abroad process - every step of the way. 

Follow ESL Teacher 365

More Posts from the Blog

RVF International Teach in Spain

RVF International Teach in Spain

Teach abroad in Spain with support through the RVF International program. Must have a degree and passport from USA, CA, AU, or NZ.

How To Teach English Online In 2025 

How To Teach English Online In 2025 

Ready to teach English online in 2025? Learn about online ESL companies, online teaching marketplaces, and freelance online teaching.

Thanks for visiting ESL Teacher 365!

Thanks for visiting ESL Teacher 365!

Certified Teacher & Founder of ESL Teacher 365

I am passionate about helping people teach abroad & online so they can live a life of adventure!

I’ve taught in 6 different countries and love sharing my teach abroad (and online) tips and tricks.

The world is yours to teach and explore!

– Jamie

jamie@eslteacher365.com 

Disclaimer: ESL Teacher 365 participates in Amazon Associates and other afilliate programs. This means I may earn a small commission if you use one of my links, at no extra cost to you. This helps me continue to provide helpful resources for teachers. Thank you!