When Sam was a child, he should spend hours every day playing with stones in the garden vs When Sam was a child, he would spend hours every day playing with stones in the garden

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. The first phrase using 'should' implies an expectation or obligation for Sam to spend hours playing with stones, which may not be the intended meaning. The second phrase using 'would' indicates a habitual action in the past, which is more likely the intended meaning in this context.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 761 views

This phrase is correct but conveys a different meaning than the second phrase. It implies an expectation or obligation for Sam to spend hours playing with stones.

"When Sam was a child, he should spend hours every day playing with stones in the garden"

This phrase can be used to express an expectation or obligation for someone to do something in the past, but it may not be the intended meaning in this context.

Alternatives:

when sam was a child, he was expected to spend hours every day playing with stones in the garden

This phrase is correct and more likely conveys the intended meaning in this context. It indicates a habitual action in the past.

"When Sam was a child, he would spend hours every day playing with stones in the garden"

This phrase is suitable for describing a repeated or habitual action that Sam used to do in the past, such as playing with stones every day.

Alternatives:

when sam was a child, he used to spend hours every day playing with stones in the garden

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....

AI is a great tool, but when it comes to perfecting your writing, we rely on real human editors.

All our editors are native English speakers.
Each editor has passed a rigorous admission test to ensure quality.
Our global team is ready to correct any text, anytime.

MEET OUR EDITORS

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

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

When Sam was a child, he should spend hours every day playing with stones in the garden vs When Sam was a child, he would spend hours every day playing with stones in the garden