Used to/Would
Which sentence is incorrect? A) I used to play piano. B) I would play piano when I was a kid. C) I would have a dog when I was young.
C (would + state is incorrect)
Choose the correct option: “I’ve just finished my essay.” / “I just finished my essay.” (British English)
I’ve just finished my essay.
Complete: She’s out of breath because she ___ (run).
has been running
My flight ___ (leave) at 7:30 tomorrow.
leaves
Analyze the difference: “He will be working late” vs “He will work late.”
“Will be working” = prediction of an ongoing action; “will work” = decision or intention.
Rewrite correctly: We would be very close friends when we were children.
We used to be very close friends.
Identify the error: I haven’t seen him since two weeks.
Should be for two weeks (since + point in time).
Explain the difference: “I’ve worked here for 5 years” vs “I’ve been working here for 5 years.”
Perfect = result/stability; Continuous = process/activity/duration emphasis
Correct: I go to the dentist at 5 tomorrow.
I’m going to the dentist at 5 tomorrow.
Which is correct for British English? A) Did you eat yet? B) Have you eaten yet?
B
Explain the semantic difference between “I used to go jogging” and “I would go jogging.”
“Used to” focuses on a discontinued habit or state; “Would” emphasizes repetition or nostalgia.
Explain why “I’ve already eaten” cannot usually answer “When did you eat?”
Because Present Perfect doesn’t specify time — focuses on result, not event time.
Why is this sentence wrong? I’ve been knowing him for years.
“Know” is a stative verb — not used in continuous aspect.
Choose: Look at those clouds! It’s ___ rain.
going to
Which is more polite in offers: “Shall I open the window?” or “Will I open the window?”
“Shall I…” is more polite in British English.
Which sounds more natural and why? “I used to get up early” vs. “I’d get up early.”
“Used to” — because “get up early” isn’t vivid enough for the narrative tone of “would.”
Which sentence implies a temporary unfinished state: A) I’ve read this book. B) I’ve been reading this book.
B — activity ongoing or incomplete.
Create a sentence in which the tense implies frustration or annoyance.
I’ve been waiting for you for half an hour!
What’s the pragmatic difference between “I’m going to quit” and “I will quit”?
“Going to” = decision already made; “will” = decision made at the moment.
I ... (see) the doctor at 5 pm
I am seeing the doctor at 5 pm
Create a sentence contrasting a past habit (now stopped) and a current one using “used to” and “now.”
I used to drink coffee every morning, but now I prefer tea.
Rewrite this to sound more natural: I have gone to the gym yesterday.
I went to the gym yesterday. (Present Perfect cannot be used with past time expressions.)
Identify the subtle difference: “I’ve been reading this book” vs “I’ve read this book.”
Continuous = still reading / ongoing; Perfect = completed.
Identify and correct: She’s going to probably fail.
She’s probably going to fail. (adverb placement)
Identify meaning: I’m going to faint!
Prediction based on evidence (feeling dizzy).