Introduction: Learning to Use 'Used to'

Understanding how to use 'used to' is a critical skill for English learners and native speakers alike. This modal verb is often used to describe past habits or states that no longer hold true in the present. Let's explore how to properly use 'used to' along with a few examples and practice sentences.

What is 'Used to'?

'Used to' is a modal verb in English that is used to express that something was true in the past but may no longer be the case. This is in contrast to simple past tense, which describes actions that have already happened in the past without continuous or habitual connotations.

How to Use 'Used to'

To form the sentence structure for 'used to,' you typically follow the pattern:

Pronoun used base form of the verb

For example:

She used to dance every day.

Here is a complete guide on how to use 'used to' and understand its nuances.

Examples with 'Used to'

Bob and Jane

Bob and Jane were childhood friends. Here's how they might describe their activities using 'used to':

Bob: I used to play football on Saturdays. Now I just watch sports on TV. Jane: I used to swim in the lake every summer. It's not as fun anymore because it's too crowded now.

Practice with 'Used to'

Complete the Sentences

Now, let's practice completing sentences with 'used to.' Here are a few examples and the corrected sentence you mentioned:

When I was a child, I liked ice cream, but I don't like it now. (Corrected: When I was a child, I used to eat ice cream, but I don't like eating it any more.) Bob used to_______(watch TV on weekends), but now he prefers reading books. You used to_______(go to the movies), didn't you?

Understanding the Difference between 'Used to' and 'Past Continuous'

It's important to distinguish between 'used to' and the past continuous ('was/were -ing').

Used to conveys a regular practice or habit in the past that is no longer continued. Past continuous refers to an ongoing action in the past.

Here are a few examples:

She used to work as a nurse. (Past habit that is no longer continued.) She was working as a nurse yesterday. (Ongoing action yesterday.)

Common Mistakes and Tips

Mistake 1: Confusing 'used to' with 'would'

Although both 'would' and 'used to' can be used to talk about the past, they are not always interchangeable. 'Would' is typically used to talk about:

Future in the past Customs or habits that were true for a while, but may change Potential or possibility in the distant past

Mistake 2: Misusing 'used to' with negative forms

Commonly, people often say 'I used to not like ice cream' instead of 'I used to like ice cream but not anymore.' Here's a guide:

Correct: I used to like ice cream, but I don't like it anymore. Incorrect: I used to not like ice cream.

Conclusion

Mastering the usage of 'used to' is a valuable skill for enhancing your language proficiency. By distinguishing it from other forms like 'past continuous' and 'would,' you can effectively convey past habits and changes over time. Practice with examples and try using 'used to' in your own daily conversations to solidify your understanding and fluency.

Further Reading and Study Resources

Practice Sheets for 'Used to' Differences Between 'Used to' and 'Would' Recommended Grammar Books