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 • 752 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

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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

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

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

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