What I Used to Do
Past Habits
Used to
'Used to' expresses the idea that something we did regularly in the past is no longer true. It is generally used in the positive form to discuss past habits and routines that we no longer have. 'Used to' can also express a state that is no longer true. 'Used to' is conjugated in the simple past tense, make sure to use the infinitive form in questions and negatives.
Example:
Frank used to organize our online advocacy efforts.
Clark used to monitor the network himself but now he employs a watchdog agency.
BUT
Did they use to follow the instructions of watchdog organizations?
Did they use to develop open source software?
Would
'Would do' refers to habitual past actions as well. It is more formal than 'used to'. The use of 'would' in questions and negative sentences can easily be misunderstood in a conditional sense, and should therefore be avoided.
Example:
Alex would telephone management when he had figured each month's operating budget.
He would obsess about workplace standards when he was the manager.
Difference Between 'Used to' and 'Would'
'Used to' can refer to a state or ability as well as habits or routines.
Example:
Frank used to organize our online advocacy efforts.
'Would' refers only to past actions.
Example:
Alex would telephone management when he had figured each month's operating budget.