Used to / Would / Past Simple

[jesus]

Hello.

What is the difference between Used to, Would and the Past Simple?

- People used to believe / would believe / believed that the world was flat.

Thanks.

[Lucretia]

Hello.

What is the difference between Used to, Would and the Past Simple?

- People used to believe / would believe / believed that the world was flat.

Thanks.

Hello jesus,

I think the middle variant is not correct if you just state the fact.

used to shows it's no longer so, now people do not believe it.
James used to smoke.
= He smoked in the past but he doesn't now.

People believed that the world was flat.
It's a simple statement about the past, it doesn't give us any additional information.

As far as I know, would can denote some typical behaviour or actions in the past.
He would sit on the bank with the rod in his hands for hours on end.
= He often did so.

But believe is a verb of mental activity, it doesn't fit the scheme (I am not 100% sure, though).

Best wishes.

[Pete]

Hi Lucretia -- I'd say your reply was exactly right. Since you commented that you weren't 100% sure of it, I thought I'd verify that it is essentially what I would have said (but I think you actually said it better than I would have).

Thanks so much for answering.

[archfiends]

Brilliant explanation, both of you.

English is flexible, sometimes fascinating.

An instance for beileve, not for would: (lol)

"I would believe you, and I was, before you stole everything from me.What you want more? "

[Lucretia]

I am really flattered, Pete, thank you.
I try not to be categorical in my judgements as I keep making amazing discoveries that break my “iron-solid” notions.