Will, often with always or just, describes a present characteristic tendency, as in she will always leave the light on, while would describes a repeated past action, not a state, as in we would spend every summer at the farm. For past habitual states, used to must be used instead of would.
Grammar Rule
Will (often with always/just) describes a present characteristic tendency, sometimes with admiration or exasperation. Would describes a repeated past action, not a state. A key restriction: would cannot describe a past habitual state — used to must be used instead, since used to covers both actions and states while would covers only actions.
Will and Would for Habits and Characteristics: Rules and Examples
| Form | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Will (+always/just) | present habitual/typical trait | She will always leave the light on. |
| Would | repeated past action (not state) | We would spend every summer at the farm. |
| vs. Used to | habitual past actions AND states | I used to have a bicycle. |
Remember: Would covers only repeated past actions, not states — use used to for past habitual states.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using will or would correctly for habits and characteristics. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
C1-33 Will and Would for Habits and Characteristics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does will describe when used for habits?
A present characteristic tendency, as in she will always leave the light on.
What does would describe when used for habits?
A repeated past action, not a state, as in we would spend every summer at the farm.
Can would describe a past habitual state?
No, used to must be used instead, as in I used to have a bicycle.
Why does used to cover more ground than would?
Because used to covers both past habitual actions and states, while would covers only actions.