Would To and Used To

A simple exercise last Tuesday tested our knowledge on a simple past tense difference, would to and used to. When I was doing the exercise, I didn't really understand the actual proper usage of used to and would to and the only way I determine whether I was correct was seeing if the sentence fitted.

After doing some research, I finally understood the difference between the two:

-"Used to" is used when you talk about a past state that does not happen anymore in the present

Example:

I used to work in a cactus farm two years ago until my accident happened

The "used to" in the sentence is acceptable because he is not working at the cactus farm in the present, so "used to" can be used


-"Would" can be used to talk about repeated past actions not past states

I would always go the pond Correct
I would stay in Georgia 4 months ago Wrong

-'Used" can also be used to talk about repeated past states


I used to live in Canada 3 years ago  Correct

Understanding Morphemes

Words are composed of morphemes; they are parts of words that can be broken down. When combined they make more complex words. For example, "create" means to make. It is a base word. "Re" is a prefix which means to do again. When combined, they form recreate which is to make again, other examples include redo or remake. Their origins are said to be from Greek or Latin.By understanding morphemes, we can understand more complicated words. If we focus on mastering morphology, we can improve our reading and writing skills and increase our vocabulary.

Term Definitions (10/10/11)

Term Defenitions

1.Noun: A noun is a word to explain a person,place or thing

Example: The cat jumped onto the wall

                The girl had a popsicle near the petrol station

2.Verb: A word to describe an action (A "doing" word)

Example: The boy ran away from the angry man

                Susan screamed when she drove into a ditch

3.Adjective: A word that describes a person, place or thing

Example: Henry cried when he accidentally touched the hot pot

                Fiona got irritated when her brother played loud pop songs 

4.Adverb: A word that describes an action (often ends with -ly)

Example: Mr.John snored loudly when his wife made him watch the boring movie.

                Kayla stomped furiously to the boss's office to complain about her colleagues.

5. Conjunction: A word used to join clauses and sentences together

Example: We might go to the theme park if it does not rain.

                 "I would like some fries and soda please." said Paul.

6.Clause: A clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb

Example: Today, Timmy went fishing at the park

                Julia cooked lasagna for the charity fair

7.Alliteration: The occurrence of the same letter or sound in a group of words

Example: This ice cream is so tasty, tantalizing and terrific. 

                The weather today is hot, heaty and humid.