表示过去一段时间内经常或反复的动作

常与always，never等连用。

Mrs. Peter always carried an umbrella.

彼得太太过去老是带着一把伞。

(只是说明她过去的动作，不表明她现在是否常带着伞。)

When I was a child, I often played football in the street.

Whenever the Browns went during their visit, they were given a warm welcome.

比较

Mrs. Peter always carries an umbrella.

彼得太太老是带着伞。

(说明这是她的习惯，表明她现在仍然还习惯总带着一把伞)

I never drank wine.我以前从不喝酒。

(不涉及到现在，不说明现在是否喝酒)