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Both "suele" and "solía" are forms of "soler", which is often translated as "to use to". Learn more about "soler" below.
soler(
soh
-
lehr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to use to (in past tense)
Solíamos irnos de vacaciones a San Sebastián.We used to go on vacation to San Sebastian.
b. to tend to
Suelen comer mucha comida rápida porque viajan mucho.They tend to eat a lot of fast food because they travel so much.
c. usually (as adverb)
Suele haber muchas fiestas en la playa durante el verano.There are usually a lot of parties on the beach in the summer.
d. to be in the habit of (with "-ing" form)
Sueles llegar a clase cinco minutos antes. ¿Qué ha pasado hoy?You're in the habit of getting to class five minutes early. What happened today?