used to

USED TO

06/10/18

Definition

"Used to" is a phrase in English that signifies a past habitual action or state that no longer exists in the present. It indicates something that was a regular occurrence or characteristic in the past but is not anymore.

Uses

1. Describing past habits or states.
2. Expressing actions or behaviors that were customary in the past but have since changed or ceased.

Rules

"Used to" is followed by the base form of the verb.

• In negative sentences, "used to" is paired with "did not" (didn't).
• In questions, "used to" is placed before the subject, followed by the base form of the verb.

Examples

Structure

Positive form

She used to live in New York City. (She lived in New York City in the past.) They used to play soccer every Sunday. (They played soccer every Sunday in the past.)

• Positive Form: Subject + used to + base form of the verb + (complement)
• Negative Form: Subject + did not (didn't) + used to + base form of the verb + (complement)
• Interrogative Form: Did + subject + use to + base form of the verb + (complement)?

Negative form

I didn't use to eat sushi. (I did not eat sushi in the past.) He didn't use to watch TV often. (He did not watch TV often in the past.)

Interrogative form

IDid she use to play the piano? (Did she play the piano in the past?) Did they use to travel a lot? (Did they travel a lot in the past?)