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"I think that's why I would listen to so many records".
The whole fragment is as follows:
"Did you have a television?"
"No we didn't. I think that's why I ______ listen to so many records."

I would put "used to" here but my whole class put would, and to be honest, I have no idea what to do about it...
I'll be grateful for your help!

2006-11-17 08:20:31 · 12 answers · asked by Klaudia B 1 in Education & Reference Words & Wordplay

12 answers

English teacher notwithstanding, either is proper and correct. The word "would" has, as one of its many meanings, "was habitually disposed or inclined to."

"I think that's why I WAS HABITUALLY INCLINED TO listen to so many records."

Perfect English sentence.

I think I would use "would" there if I would be required to fill in that blank. I used to use "used to", but now would use "would."


BTW, the reference to past progressive is a red herring. Would, used in this context, is the simple past of "will." The same word is also a mark of the present conditional tense - "I would go to town if I had some money."

Past progressive (also called imperfect) would be "I was listening". Progressive tenses all take the present participle.

P.S. Don't want to get into a war with the English teacher, but I must stand up for the English language. I agree that the sequence of tenses is a necessary part of the language. I agree that "did", the verb in the preceding portion of the dialogue, is past tense and sets the tense sequence for all that follows. What I do not agree with is the ET's apparent failure to read or understand my statements. The verb used in the reponse should be in the past tense since the preceding verb (did) is past tense. (N. B. This assumes a grammatical analysis; were it to be a direct quotation, all bets are off.) However, the verb "would" is the PAST TENSE. Thus, the sequence of tenses is preserved and all is well. If thou wouldst read what I said, you will note that I stated that would = past tense.

2006-11-17 14:17:20 · answer #1 · answered by dollhaus 7 · 0 0

Well, certainly you are not incorrect - your choice is perfectly fine. To be sure, "would" is used to express repeated or habitual action in the past, but not quite in this manner, as the dialog shows that there is a reason for the record listening, not just a preference or a habit. But in everyday speech, people say "would" instead of "used to" or something similar. Actually, you don't need to put a word in the blank - all you need to do is change the verb tense, "listened" instead of "listen."

2006-11-17 08:27:43 · answer #2 · answered by sonyack 6 · 0 0

Because you are using quotes of what people have said the sentence is not a fragment. It is dialog. The reason why your class put "would" is because it is a shorter way of saying used to. It is a cleaner way of saying used to. It flows better.

2006-11-17 08:26:27 · answer #3 · answered by meisa777 3 · 0 0

The question is "did you have a television?" Your answer should be "No we didn't.I think that's why I used to listen to so many records." or You can also say, I think that's why I listened to so many records.

2006-11-17 11:05:29 · answer #4 · answered by dimple555 3 · 0 0

As others have suggested, neither is genuine. while you're making a fact and not asking a question, use commas as contained in the sentences under. --while he stopped smoking, he felt greater effective and had greater capability. --once you end your homework, enable's choose for journey. For questions, no commas are needed. --while are you going to bathe your room? --while did he upward push up?

2016-10-04 02:09:01 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0 0

Either one is correct. It is a question of preference. Everyone has a different style of writing. Both relay the same information, just with different words.

2006-11-17 08:26:04 · answer #6 · answered by Turkey Pot Pie 2 · 0 0

Did you have a television. asking if *you *did . meaning one.
No* we* didn't means more than one .
I think that's why I *would* listen to so many records. is correct.
or I think that is why I *have* listened to so many records.
used to means you already have
I would put it this way.....I think that is why I *listened* to so many records.

2006-11-17 08:43:42 · answer #7 · answered by StarShine G 7 · 0 0

"Used" means: second hand previously owned. I know what you mean, but that's not how you spell it. "Would" "previously done" is something that you have done in the past. The english language is a tricky thing, don't feel bad you got it wrong.

2006-11-17 08:32:12 · answer #8 · answered by Heather D 2 · 0 0

I have to say I think your first reaction was better.

"We didn't" is past tense "I would" is not. "used to" is past tense too.

It also "sounds" better in my opinion.

2006-11-17 08:27:47 · answer #9 · answered by Mark T 6 · 0 0

well...i dont know...perhaps its accurate..anyway why wont u try filling the blank with 'usually'

2006-11-17 23:03:18 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

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