Used to vs. would

Question

I'd like to know the difference between "used to" and "would."

Here are two sentences. Which one is grammatically right? If both are okay, what's the difference?

1) Julia used to have a long hair.

2) Julia would have a long hair.

One more,

1) Peter used to be lazy. Now he's hard-working.

2) Peter would be lazy, Now he's hard-working.

Regards · Accepted Answer

AnonymousI'd like to know the difference between "used to" and "would."
Here are two sentences. Which one is grammatically right? If both are okay, what's the difference?
Hi,
1) Julia used to have long hair. [Y] She probably has short hair now.
2) Julia would have long hair.[N]

One more:

1) Peter used to be lazy. Now he's hardworking. [Y] Peter isn't lazy anymore. He supports diligence.
2) Peter would be lazy. Now he's hardworking. [N]

Regards

Dave_anon · Answer

Hi

I agree with Regards, but there is certainly a correct use of 'would' that you are thinking of

It is used when a person has ceased to perform a action that they were previously known for..

- Before Julia became an accountant, she would play us folk songs in the evening

[= she used to play folk songs]

- Before Peter met Julia, he would sometimes start fights with strangers

[= he used to start fights]

I think the problem with your examples is that they describe a constant attribute of the person, using "have" or "be". This doesn't seem to work. If you use the "would" with an action verb then I think it is OK..

[Doubtful] - Before he got that new job, he would have long hair

[OK] - Before he got that new job, he would wear his hair long

I'm not quite sure how it works, but those are my thoughts

Dave

Used to vs. would

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