Used To

The phrase “used to” is commonly used to talk about past habits, routines, or states that no longer happen or exist in the present.

⏰ When Do We Use “Used To”?

We use “used to” to describe: 

  • Past Habits or Routines: Actions that were done regularly in the past but are no longer done now.
    • I used to wake up early when I was younger.
    • We used to visit our grandparents every summer.
  • Past States: Conditions or situations that were true in the past but no longer exist.
    • He used to be shy.
    • There used to be a park here. 

It is important to note that “used to” is only used for the past and does not have a present form.

📌 Structure

Positive Sentences
Structure: Subject + used to + base form of the verb

  • She used to live in London.
  • We used to go swimming every weekend. 

Negative Sentences
Structure: Subject + didn’t use to + base form of the verb

  • He didn’t use to like coffee.
  • I didn’t use to have a car. 

Questions
Structure: Did + subject + use to + base form of the verb?

  • Did they use to visit you often?
  • Did you use to watch cartoons as a kid?

💬 Examples

✅ Positive Examples

  • I used to read books before bed.
  • They used to have a dog.
  • We used to play outside every evening. 

❌ Negative Examples

  • She didn’t use to enjoy spicy food.
  • We didn’t use to have smartphones.
  • He didn’t use to study much. 

❓ Question Examples

  • Did you use to play video games?
  • Did they use to live near the beach?
  • Did she use to go to this school?
Exercise 1
⬇️ Interactive exercise will appear here soon.

Ready to Talk About Your Past Habits and States in English?

Mastering “used to” is a fantastic step to clearly describing habits, routines, and states that were true in the past but are no longer true now (e.g., “I used to live in New York”).

Do you want to practice forming sentences with “used to” and use them naturally when discussing your personal history? My online English classes offer fun, interactive ways to master “used to” and all other essential grammar points. You’ll get plenty of chances to speak and build your confidence.

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