“Used to” is a very common structure in English. We use it to talk about past habits or past situations that were true before but are not true now. We will help you understand the form, meaning, and use of “used to” in a simple and clear way.
The Meaning of “Used to”
| Meaning & Use | Examples |
|---|---|
| 1. To Talk About Past Habits – These are repeated actions in the past – Things people did regularly in the past | – I used to play football every weekend. (but now, I don’t play football anymore.) – She used to visit her grandmother every summer. (but now, she doesn’t.) – My father used to read the newspaper every morning. (But now, he doesn’t. He listens to the radio instead.) These were regular actions before, but they don’t happen now. |
| 2. To Talk About Past States – These are situations, feelings, or facts that were true in the past but are different now. | – She used to be shy. – This town used to be very quiet. – I used to have long hair. The situation has changed now. |
The forms of “Used to”
| Affirmative | Negative | Interrogative |
|---|---|---|
Subject + used to + base verb | Subject + didn’t use to + base verb | Did + subject + use to + base verb? |
| Examples: I used to walk to school. He used to watch cartoons. They used to live in a small village. | Examples: I didn’t use to like coffee. She didn’t use to wear glasses. We didn’t use to study online. | Examples: Did you use to play tennis? Did he use to live in Casablanca? Did they use to come here often? |
| The verb after “used to” is always in the base form. | Important: After “didn’t,” we use “use to” (not “used to”). Correct: didn’t use to Incorrect: didn’t used to | Again, after “did,” we use “use to,” not “used to.” |
