“Used To” for Past Habits & States.
This lesson about used to includes a grammar explanation, conversation questions and a grammar exercise. It is part of a complete B1 English course. you can find information about used to, get used to and be used to in our upper intermediate course.
When do we use used to?
We use used to to describe a habit or state in the past that contrasts with the present.
For example
Emily used to crawl everywhere, but now she can walk.
This means that in the past, Emily crawled everywhere. Now, Emily can walk, so she doesn’t crawl everywhere. There is a difference between something she did a lot in the past and something that she does now.
Let’s look at another example.
In the past, before computers existed, writers used typewriters to write books. Nowadays, writers use computers with software to help them write. There is a difference between how people used to write books and how people write books now.
How do we use used to?
To use the verb used to, simply add a verb in the bare infinitive. The bare infinitive is just like the infinitive (to be, to do, to go) but without the to (be, do, go).
Look at these examples.
When Tom was younger he had short hair. Now that he is older, he is bald. Tom used to have short hair, but now he is bald.
In negative sentences.
When we use used to in negative, do not add the d at the end. This is because we use the verb in the bare infinitive form when we use it with an auxiliary verb.
For example:
Melissa didn’t use to have a tattoo
not
Melissa didn’t used to have a tattoo.
Conversation questions.
- What TV programs did you use to watch when you were young? “I used to watch….”
- What games did you use to play with your friends when you were a child? “We used to play….”
- What did you never use to do that you often do nowadays? “I never use to…”
- Is there any type of food that you used to hate when you were young that you enjoy now? “When I was young I used to hate…..”
- What music did you use to enjoy when you were younger that you don’t listen to nowadays? “When I was younger I used to listen to….”
Exercises
Check that you know how to use “used to” in positive, negative and questions with this interactive exercise!