Used To – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever said, “I used to play soccer as a kid,” or “She used to live in London”? In English, used to is a key phrase for talking about past habits, routines, or situations that no longer happen or exist. It’s not about current actions—it’s about what was true “back then,” but isn’t true now.
What Does “Used To” Mean?
“Used to” describes actions or states in the past that were regular or true for a period of time—but have since stopped or changed. Think of it like looking at an old photo: it shows something real, but from a different time. You can use it for repeated actions (“I used to ride my bike every day”) or past facts (“He used to be shy”).
When to Use It
Use “used to” in casual or reflective conversations:
• When talking about childhood or past routines: “We used to visit our grandparents every summer.”
• When comparing past and present: “I used to hate coffee—now I can’t live without it!”
• In storytelling or interviews: “She used to work as a teacher before becoming a writer.”
It’s common in speaking, writing, and media. Avoid using it for single past events (use simple past instead: “I went to Paris in 2020,” not “I used to go to Paris in 2020”).
Example Sentences
- I used to walk to school, but now I take the bus.
- They used to be best friends, but they don’t talk anymore.
- Did you use to play any instruments?
- There used to be a bookstore on this corner.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “You seem so confident speaking English now!”
Jamie: “Thanks! I used to be too nervous to say a word.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t confuse “used to” with “be used to” or “get used to.” “Used to” = past habit. “Be used to” = familiar with something now. Also, in questions and negatives, the form changes: “Did you use to…?” (not “used to”), and “I didn’t use to like it.”
❌ Don’t say: “I didn’t used to like it.”
✅ Do say: “I didn’t use to like it.”
✅ Do say: “Did you use to have a dog?”
Practice Tip
Think about your life five years ago. Say: “I used to ______, but now I ______.” For example: “I used to stay up late, but now I go to bed early.” This contrast builds clear, natural use of “used to.”
Final Note
Now you can use “used to” to share your past with clarity and warmth—just like native speakers do! It’s a nostalgic but powerful phrase that helps you compare then and now. Keep listening for it in songs, interviews, and everyday stories. You’re not just learning English—you’re learning how people remember who they used to be. Keep going—you’ve got this!