used to play vs would play

Both "used to play" and "would play" are correct constructions, but they are used in different contexts. "Used to play" is used to talk about past habits or actions that were regular or habitual in the past but no longer occur. On the other hand, "would play" is used to describe past repeated actions or habits, often with a specific time frame or condition. Therefore, the choice between the two depends on the specific context of the sentence.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 1197 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to talk about past habits or actions that were regular or habitual in the past but no longer occur.

"used to play "

This phrase is used to describe actions that were repeated or habitual in the past but have stopped. It indicates that the action was a regular occurrence in the past.

Examples:

I used to play soccer when I was younger.
She used to play the piano every evening.
They used to play together as children.
He used to play video games all day long.
We used to play hide and seek in the park.

Show examples from the web [+]

I used to play by this hearth as a child.
I used to play all the time with Bella Cruise.
We used to play during his lunch break.
When Luke and I were kids, we used to play hide-and-seek.
He used to play this one, actually.
The girl who used to play the cello.
Sam and I used to play in these woods.
We used to play in junior leagues together - me and Nathan.
Nusrat used to play in a Sheraton business center.
It had a fountain where we used to play.
Jeannie Fritzen and I used to play in here after school.
We used to play softball together when he was in the Senate.
Jeff used to play the trombone in high school.
I used to play ball over in Ditmuss Park.
My husband and I used to play it.
My mom used to play this song all the time.
You know we used to play doubles together.
Just something my father used to play.
My dad used to play in a military band.
I used to play basketball in school.

Alternatives:

I would play soccer when I was younger.
She would play the piano every evening.
They would play together as children.
He would play video games all day long.
We would play hide and seek in the park.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe past repeated actions or habits, often with a specific time frame or condition.

"would play "

This phrase is used to talk about past actions that were repeated or habitual, especially in specific situations or conditions. It often implies a conditional aspect or a specific time frame in the past.

Examples:

Every summer, we would play in the park.
When it rained, we would play board games indoors.
He would play the guitar at family gatherings.
She would play with her dolls for hours.
They would play basketball after school.

Show examples from the web [+]

Sometimes Jean would play the piano.
And every night Elisabeth would play for me.
We would play with this stuff like it was treasure.
We would play mini golf, have crazy dance competitions, go through a drive-through and order with British accents.
I used to think one day our kids would play on that playground.
When we were kids, we would play cowboys and Indians like the kids do.
Every 4th of July, He would play the trumpet
My friends and I would play king of the mountain there.
Jackson would play the same phrase, "Doctor, My Eyes" for six weeks.
These Signatures' would play a crucial role later.
She would play in the garden for hours.
Sheldon, we said that we would play games with you tonight.
You and Joanna would play with dolls.
Think how that would play out.
Imagine all the... games that they would play together.
I wanted to see if you would play my boyfriend.
But let's talk about the actor who would play the burglar.
Krupski would play Marco's team in the next round.
Lady Margaret fears the King would play you false.
No child in the world would play like that.

Alternatives:

Every summer, we used to play in the park.
When it rained, we used to play board games indoors.
He used to play the guitar at family gatherings.
She used to play with her dolls for hours.
They used to play basketball after school.

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

used to play vs would play

"used to play "

"would play "

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text