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1st Bac Grammar Reference

Grammar: Past Habits & Hypotheticals

Learn to express past habits that are now finished, and hypothetical wishes or regrets about the past and present.

1. Used to

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1. Used to

Use: To talk about past habits, states, or repeated actions that are finished and do not happen now. It emphasizes the contrast between past and present. Positive: Subject + used to + base verb. Negative: Subject + didn't use to + base verb. Question: Did + subject + use to + base verb? Example: "I used to play the piano, but I stopped years ago."

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2. Wish / If Only

Use: To express wishes, regrets, and hypothetical situations. The verb tense that follows is "shifted back" one step into the past. 'If only' is generally stronger. Wish about the Present/Future (Hypothetical): Form: wish / if only + Past Simple Wish about the Past (Regret): Form: wish / if only + Past Perfect Wish for a Future Change (Annoyance): Form: wish / if only + would + base verb

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