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Introduction

When I was younger, I used to go to school by bus. We would get up early and wait for the bus driver. We always said good morning to him when he arrived.

We talk about our memories all the time. Learn how to reminisce in English with Neil, Pippa and grammar guru Georgie, using used to, would and the past simple.

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Grammar explanation

used to

Use 'used to' to talk about repeated past actions AND past states

Examples:

I used to play football with my siblings when we were younger.
He used to be a nurse, but then he became an estate agent.

past simple

Use the past simple to talk about repeated past actions AND past states

Examples:

I played many instruments as a child.
My family had a cat when we lived in the countryside.

would

Use 'would' to talk about repeated past actions. You cannot use 'would' to talk about past states.

Examples:

When Beth was at university, she would get up ten minutes before her lectures, she'd have a quick breakfast and then go to class.

To do

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Try this episode of Tenses with Georgie about past habits.

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