"I used to sing" vs "I would sing"

Question

"I used to sing" vs "I would sing"

Both phrases are correct, but they convey different meanings. 'I would sing' is used to express a hypothetical situation or a future action, while 'I used to sing' is used to talk about a past habit or action that was done regularly in the past but not anymore.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

This phrase is used to describe something that was a habit or a regular action in the past but is no longer true. It indicates that the action was done repeatedly or over a period of time in the past.

Examples:

I used to sing in a band when I was younger.
She used to sing in the church choir every Sunday.
We used to sing together at family gatherings.
He used to sing along to the radio on his way to work.
They used to sing folk songs around the campfire.

Alternatives:

I sang
I was singing
I would sing
I used to perform
I used to vocalize

This phrase is used to talk about something that you might do in the future or a hypothetical situation. It often follows an 'if' clause or is used to express a polite request or offer.

Examples:

If I had a good voice, I would sing in the choir.
I would sing at your wedding if you asked me to.
She said she would sing a song for us later.
I would sing along to my favorite songs when I was a child.
Would you sing a duet with me?

Alternatives:

I might sing
I could sing
I will sing
I can sing
I should sing

Answer 1

I used to sing

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to talk about a past habit or action that was done regularly in the past but not anymore.

Answer 2

I would sing

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a hypothetical situation or a future action.

"I used to sing" vs "I would sing"

I used to sing

I would sing

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