English grammar

Would - Recurring Past Actions

A more literary/nostalgic alternative to "used to" for repeated past actions, but only for actions, not states. "Every summer we would drive to the coast." "My grandfather would tell the same stories every Christmas." Cannot describe past states ("I would be tall" is wrong; use "I used to be tall").

would + base verb (for past habits)

Real Examples from Native Speakers

"I would usually hang a little plush keychain on it."

What’s In My Cute Miffy Bag

How it works

Formula

would + base verb (for past habits)

This page combines the textbook rule with real-world English: every example is an unscripted clip from a real native speaker. You're hearing how this grammar point sounds in real life, not in a classroom.