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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Used to would have

I have a friend who always laughs at me when I say something like, "I used to would have done it that way." I don't think it's the most elegant way of expressing myself, but I don't think it's exactly wrong (grammatically) either. Is it?
  

Top answer

It is ungrammatical. Say: I used to do it that way. To is part of the infinitive and there's no such infinitive as to would because would is a modal/defective auxiliary and has no infinitive form.

— Cool Breeze

  • It is ungrammatical.
  • Say: I used to do it that way.
  • To is part of the infinitive and there's no such infinitive as to would because would is a modal/defective auxiliary and has no infinitive form.
  • Can is another defective auxiliary and thus cannot be preceded by to.
  • Your sentence is grammatically similar to saying: * To can speak English in the USA is an essential skill.
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3 Answers
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It is ungrammatical. Say: I used to do it that way. To is part of the infinitive and there's no such infinitive as to would because would is a modal/defective auxiliary and has no infinitive form.

Can is another defective auxiliary and thus cannot be precede
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Hi guys,

This reminds me of people who say 'I might could . . . '.Emotion: smile

Clive,
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Or "used to could".

CJ
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