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

The correct phrase to use is this one: 'When Sam was a small child, he used to spend hours every day playing with stones in the garden.' The use of 'used to' is appropriate to indicate a past habit or repeated action. 'Should spend' implies an obligation or recommendation, which isn't the intended meaning in this context.

Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: August 24, 2024 • 23522 views

When Sam was a small child, he used spend hours every day playing with stones in the garden.

This phrase is incorrect. It is missing the auxiliary verb 'to' after 'used', which is necessary to form the correct structure 'used to'.

The correct structure is 'used to + base form of the verb' to indicate a past habit or repeated action.

Alternatives:

When Sam was a small child, he used to spend hours every day playing with stones in the garden.

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

This phrase is incorrect. 'Should spend' implies an obligation or recommendation, which is not the intended meaning in this context.

The use of 'should' indicates an obligation or recommendation, which is not suitable for describing a past habit or repeated action.

Alternatives:

When Sam was a small child, he used to spend hours every day playing with stones in the garden.

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

When Sam was a small child, he used spend hours every day playing with stones in the garden.

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

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