subject + used to + base verbUse this for past habits or states that are finished now. After used to, the main verb stays in the base form.
Used To
A2Used to talks about past habits or states that were true before but are not true now. Use used to in affirmatives, but use after did/didn't.
What you'll learn
- Talk about old routines that stopped.
- Describe past states that are different now.
- Build affirmative sentences with used to + base verb.
- Build negatives with didn't use to + base verb.
- Ask yes/no questions with Did + subject + use to.
Structure
subject + did not + use to + base verbAfter did not, write use, not used. The main verb also stays in the base form.
Did + subject + use to + base verb + ?Put Did first, then the subject. After Did, write use, not used.
Build a sentence
Subject
Verb
Sheused to live
She used to live in Boston.
This describes an old situation that is different now.
When to use
Past routines
Repeated actions in an earlier period: Tom used to run every morning. Now he drives to work.
Old situations
Past homes, jobs, feelings, or preferences that changed: Anna used to live in Chicago, but now she lives in Seattle.
Life changes
Use it when you compare then and now: I used to eat late, but now I cook at home.
Markers
when I was a childyears agoin high schoolback thenas a kidbefore
Common mistakes
Wrong
Tom used to played soccer after school.
Correct
Tom used to play soccer after school.
After used to, use the base verb, not a past form.
Wrong
Lisa didn't used to drink coffee.
Correct
Lisa didn't use to drink coffee.
Did already marks the past, so used changes to use.
Wrong
He didn't use to liked jazz.
Correct
He didn't use to like jazz.
After didn't use to, the main verb stays in the base form.
Wrong
Did Anna used to live here?
Correct
Did Anna use to live here?
After Did, write use, not used.
Wrong
Used Anna to live here?
Correct
Did Anna use to live here?
Yes/no questions need Did at the front.
Common misconceptions
❝ Used to is only for actions, not for states. ❞
Used to also works with states: Maria used to be shy. We use it for old situations that changed.
❝ Used to can describe a habit that is still true now. ❞
Used to points to something in the past that is finished or no longer true now.
Skills in this rule (6)
USE_FOR_PAST_HABITSw5Use used to for repeated past habits that are finished now
Use used to when Maria, Tom, or other people did something regularly in the past, but not now. It often contrasts past life with present life.
USE_FOR_PAST_STATESw5Use used to for past states that are no longer true
Use used to with old situations, jobs, homes, likes, or beliefs that were true before but are different now. It often gives background about an earlier period.
AFFIRMATIVE_USED_TOw5Build affirmative sentences with used to + base verb
In affirmative sentences, use used to before the base verb: Anna used to live here. The main verb does not change form after used to.
NEGATIVE_DIDNT_USE_TOw5Build negatives with did not use to + base verb
Use didn't use to for past habits or states that were not true before. After did, use stays in the base spelling and the main verb also stays in base form.
QUESTIONS_DID_USE_TOw5Ask questions with Did + subject + use to + base verb
Start the question with Did, then subject, then use to and the base verb. Use does not appear here because the time is already past.
PAST_ONLY_MARKERSw3Recognize past-time context around used to
Words and phrases like when I was a child, years ago, or in high school often support used to. They place the situation in an earlier time.