Casa · B1 Intermediate · Lesson 11 of 20 · Step 2

Travel & Culture

Past habits and cultural experiences

Use 'used to' to talk about past habits and states
Use 'would' to describe repeated past actions
Discuss travel experiences and cultural differences

Words · tap a card to see it used

Grammar

Used to / Would for past habits

'Used to + infinitive' describes past habits or states that are no longer true. 'Would + infinitive' describes repeated past actions (not states). Use 'used to' for both states and actions; use 'would' only for actions.

I used to travel every summer, but now I stay home.

She used to live in Tokyo. (state — cannot use 'would')

We would visit a new country every year when I was a child.

He didn't use to enjoy flying, but now he loves it.

Exercises · type, then check

1. Complete each sentence with 'used to' or 'would'. In some cases both are correct — choose the best option.

1.When I was young, my family go camping every August.

2.She live in Mexico City before she moved to London.

3.We eat at the same restaurant every Friday night.

4.I be afraid of flying, but I overcame my fear.

5.They spend hours exploring local markets on holiday.

2. Choose the correct option to complete each sentence.

1. He ___ have a beard, but he shaved it off last year.

2. Every summer we ___ drive to the coast and stay for a week.

3. I didn't ___ like spicy food, but now I love it.

4. She ___ own a small café in the old town.

5. On rainy days, we ___ stay inside and play board games.

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Reading

A Gap Year in South America

After finishing university, I spent a year travelling through South America. I used to wake up every morning without a plan and just explore whatever city I was in. In Colombia, I would visit a different coffee farm each week and learn about the harvest process. The people were incredibly warm — strangers would invite me into their homes for dinner. I used to be quite shy before that trip, but the experience changed me. I learned to speak basic Spanish, tried unusual foods, and made friends from all over the world. I didn't use to appreciate how different life could be in other countries. Now, years later, I still think about those months as the most important time of my life.

1. What did the writer use to do every morning during the trip?

2. How did the trip change the writer?

Speaking · say it out loud, with a partner or alone

1Tell your partner about three things you used to do as a child that you no longer do. Use 'used to' and 'would' where appropriate.

2Discuss a place you have visited that had very different customs from your own country. What surprised you most?

Writing

Write 6–8 sentences about how your daily life was different five years ago. Use 'used to' and 'would' to describe your past habits and routines.

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Finished?

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