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Unit 29: Lost arts
Used to & would

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Session 2

In this session we'll find out how to use used to and would to talk about things we did regularly in the past. Do you know which one to use when? You will after this session!

Wayiitiwwan marii boqonnaa kana keessaa

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Wayitii marii qabxii 2

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    Activity 1
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    Activity 2
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    Activity 3
  1. Activity 1
  2. Activity 2
  3. Activity 3

Activity 1

Things we did regularly in the past

In this unit we're finding out how to use used to and would to talk about the past. To help us, let's take another look at the conversations we heard in Session 1. We listened to a taxi driver, a rambler and an amateur mechanic.

They all used the words used to and would. Read their sentences carefully and then we'll do an activity to work out the differences.

Taxi driver

  • I used to know all the street names in London.
  • When I picked up a passenger, I used to ask them where they were going, and we'd be off!
  • I wouldn't carry a map, never!

Rambler

  • When I was younger, I would go for a long walk every morning.
  • I used to love rambling!
  • I also used to recognise all the trees on my way to school.

Amateur mechanic

  • Whenever my car had a problem I would always repair it myself.
  • I used to be a very good amateur mechanic.

Barreeffama kana dubbisii shakala kana xumuri

To do

You're going to do a sorting activity to help you learn the main differences between used to and would. Drag each sentence into the correct column, depending on whether 'used to' or 'would' describes:

1. A habit or repeated action in the past

2. A state or situation in the past

State or habit?

9 Questions

Drag the sentences into the correct columns

Baga gammadde! Qormaata xumurteetta
Excellent! Great job! Carraa badaa! Qabxii argatte:
x / y

State or habit?

9 Questions

Drag the sentences into the correct columns

Baga gammadde! Qormaata xumurteetta
Excellent! Great job! Carraa badaa! Qabxii argatte:
x / y

Next

Well done. So, have you worked out the rule? On the next page, we'll take a closer look!

Caasluga kutaa kanaa

  • Used to and would help us to talk about things that happened in the past.

    Would + infinitive without 'to' - habits & repeated actions

    • When I had free time, I would practise guitar.
    • Since we were always in a hurry, we wouldn’t stop for tea on Fridays.
    • Would you often stay for lunch?

    Used to + infinitive without 'to'- habits & repeated actions

    • Isabel used to sing in a band.
    • Pablo didn’t use to drive to work.
    • Did John use to study with you?

    Used to + infinitive without 'to'- states or situations

    • Bob used to be much shorter.
    • I didn’t use to like art.
    • Did Wayne use to belong to the debating team?
    • Didn’t Margaret use to hate flying
Wabii caasluga guutuu agarsiisi

Session Vocabulary

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Wiirtuu gadi-buufatan

Qabiyyee koorsiiwwan dhihoo kanaa