Expressing Past Habits in English

Expressing Past Habits in English

Introduction

English grammar offers various options to express past habits. These include modal verbs and semi-modal verbs that help convey the idea of actions or states performed in the past. Understanding how to employ these elements effectively is crucial for accurate communication and language development.

Using 'Used to'

The semi-modal verb 'used to' is commonly employed to indicate past habits. By using 'used to', you suggest that the described activity is no longer occurring and is part of the past. Example usage includes:

I used to watch Masterchef on TV every weekend but now I don't have time. I used to eat lots of chips when I was younger, but now I try to eat more healthily.

Tip: Following 'used to', the verb must be written without the 'to' ending, i.e., in its bare infinitive form.

Using 'Would'

Another method involves utilizing the modal verb 'would'. This expression suggests repeated actions in the past. Emphasizing the verb can imply annoyance or irritation. Consider these examples:

Every weekend I would play football with my friends. My mother would cook us dinner every night.

Most cases, 'would' and 'used to' produce similar meanings. However, it's essential to consider the verb type used in the sentence. For instance, state verbs, which typically involve being, feeling, agreeing, or believing, require 'would' rather than 'used to'.

Past Simple vs. Present Simple

Both past simple and present simple can be applied to habits, but they differ in indicating the continuity of the action. The past simple focuses on completed actions, while the present simple conveys ongoing habits. Neither can show that the action is no longer true.

Using 'Tend'

Finally, 'tend' can be utilized to describe a person's inclination towards performing an action, leading to a habitual behavior. The verb following 'tend' must be an infinitive accompanied by 'to'.

By employing these methods, you can effectively communicate past habits in English while developing proficiency in the language.

Learn how to express past habits in English using modal verbs like 'used to' and 'would', as well as the semi-modal verb 'tend'. Understand the differences between past simple and present simple tenses when discussing habits to effectively communicate in English.