Used to

Exercises

Explanation

Affirmative sentences

Structure: subject + used to + base verb

• I used to play football every weekend.

• Sarah used to walk to school when she was a child.

• They used to eat dinner together every evening.

Negative sentences

In negatives, we use didn’t use to + verb.

• I didn’t use to drink coffee.

• Tom didn’t use to like vegetables.

• We didn’t use to travel abroad.

Questions

In questions, use Did + subject + use to + verb.

• Did you use to play the piano?

• Did she use to live in New York?

• Did they use to go camping in the summer?

When to use Used to

Past habits - actions repeated in the past, but not anymore.

• I used to visit my grandparents every Sunday.

• They used to sell ice cream in the park.

Past states - facts that were true in the past but not now.

• There used to be a cinema here, but now it’s a supermarket.

• Mark used to be very shy, but now he’s more confident.

Don’t confuse: Used to vs Be used to vs Get used to

Used to - past habits or states.

• I used to play the guitar. (but not anymore)

Be used to - means “to be accustomed to.” Use it with a noun or –ing form.

• I’m used to waking up early.

• She is used to the noise in the city.

Get used to - means “to become accustomed to.”

• You will get used to your new school.

• I’m getting used to driving in traffic.