Intermediate English Grammar (B1) Lesson 4 of 25

Would for Past Tense

Read and listen to four conversations using the grammar.

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Script
Grammar
Quiz
Puzzle

Conversation 1

Man: What was it like growing up on a farm?
Woman: It was the best. I used to have so much fun.
Man : Really? What would you do?
Woman: I would ride horses, play with my dog, tend to animals and just have fun!
Man: Sounds fun!
Woman: It was. Every day I would get up early and I would be outside all day. I wouldn’t go inside until dark.
Man: Sounds like you had a great childhood.
Woman: It was.

Conversation 2

Woman: What was it like growing up in the city?
Man: It was fun. I have many good memories.
Woman: Yeah, such as?
Man: Well, my friends and I used to hang out downtown. We would sit on the sidewalk and watch the world go by. It was so fun. Sometimes, we’d get in trouble, though.
Woman: Really, what would you do?
Man: Well, we would be loud or naughty. Kids’ stuff. Nothing serious, though.
Woman: Yeah, sounds familiar.

Conversation 3

Man: What was life like in the army?
Woman: It was good, but it was very hard.
Man: Really? How so?
Woman: Well, we were always busy. Every day we would get up really early. Then we would march for ten miles. After that, we would do more training.
Man: What would you do in the afternoon?
Woman: More training. Usually, we wouldn’t stop training until late.
Man: That is so tough. How much sleep did you get?
Woman: Not much. We would usually get about six hours a night. It wasn’t enough, though.
Man: Do you miss it?
Woman: Yes, sometimes.

Would - Past Tense

Point 1: Use the modal would to talk about activites you often did in the past, but no longer do.

(Q) As a kid on the farm, what did you do?
(A) I did a lot. I would ride horses.
(N) I wouldn't stay inside.

(Q) Where would you play?
(A) I would play in the garden.
(N) I wouldn't see anyone.

Point 2: Use would to for things you did often. Use the simple past for actions you just did once.

(Q) Who did you talk to as a kid?
(A) I talked with my friends.
(A) We would talk for hours.
(N) I wouldn't say much.

Point 3: We use 'd as a contraction for would in spoken English.

(Q) When would you get up?
(A) I'd wake up very early.
(N) I'd never sleep in.

Note: Do not use the contraction in short answers.

(Q) Would you go to town?
(A) Yes, I would sometimes.
(N) No, wouldn't usually.

Point 4: We use used to to introduce an action we no longer do, and then switch to would for related actions.

I used to play soccer a lot. I would play from morning till night.
I used to get in trouble a lot. I would make my teacher so made.
I used to have a motorcycle. I would ride it for hours.

Answer these questions about the interview.

Gap Fill: Complete the conversation with the correct word!

More Grammar Conversations for Intermediate Students (B1)