used to

Meaning

This phrase is used to describe habits, routines, or states in the past that are no longer true today. It is always followed by the base form of the verb.

Examples

• I used to play soccer every weekend when I was younger.

  I used to play soccer every weekend when I was younger.

• We used to live in a small apartment, but now we have a house.

  We used to live in a small apartment, but now we have a house.

• She didn't use to like vegetables, but now she loves them.

  She didn't use to like vegetables, but now she loves them.

• Did you use to go to the beach every summer?

  Did you use to go to the beach every summer?

• There used to be a beautiful park here before they built the mall.

  There used to be a beautiful park here before they built the mall.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I am use to play tennis on Saturdays.

  ✓ I used to play tennis on Saturdays.

  Do not confuse 'used to + infinitive' (past habit) with 'be used to + -ing' (be accustomed to). Also, ensure you write 'used to' with a 'd' in positive past statements.

• ✗ I didn't used to watch TV.

  ✓ I didn't use to watch TV.

  In negative sentences with 'didn't' or questions with 'did', the helping verb takes the past tense, so 'used' changes back to the base form 'use' without a 'd'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I ___ drink coffee, but now I prefer tea.

  💡 Past habit that is no longer true.

  Show answer

  used to

• Did you ___ have long hair when you were a child?

  💡 Question form of past state.

  Show answer

  use to