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SuperESL Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

used to / would

Hello,

Are there any differences in meaning between using "used to" and "would" in the following sentence?

"Years ago, most companies (used to / would) hold focus groups to find out what consumers wanted."

Also, what difference does it make whether I use the simple past or 'would + verb" in the following example?

"Years ago, most companies used to hold focus groups to find out what consumers wanted. They (asked / would ask) consumers questions and (gave / would) give them products to review."

Thank you.
  

Top answer

" In this case there is no significant difference in meaning. "Years ago, most companies used to hold focus groups to find out what consumers wanted. " Probably I would go with this: Years ago, most companies used to hold focus groups to find out what consumers wanted.

— GPY

  • " In this case there is no significant difference in meaning.
  • "Years ago, most companies used to hold focus groups to find out what consumers wanted.
  • " Probably I would go with this: Years ago, most companies used to hold focus groups to find out what consumers wanted.
  • They would ask consumers questions and give them products to review.
  • "give" is governed by the first "would"; you do not need to repeat it.
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2 Answers
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SuperESLAre there any differences in meaning between using "used to" and "would" in the following sentence?"Years ago, most companies (used to / would) hold focus groups to find out what consumers wanted."
In this case there is no significant difference in meaning. (There is a slight difference in "feel" that is hard to describe, and that speakers may any
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