By Vahid Alaghehband
Used to + base verb expresses past habits or states that are no longer true: I used to play the guitar (I don't anymore). In negatives and questions it is written use to, without -d, because did already shows the past: Did you use to…? I didn't use to…
This guide is part of English grammar by level. Used to is A2 grammar on the CEFR (A2.2 in the Vozi Grammar catalog). It is one of the most useful structures to talk about changes in your life.
How to form used to
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | Subject + used to + base verb | We used to live in Esmeraldas. |
| Negative | Subject + didn't use to + base verb | She didn't use to like coffee. |
| Question | Did + subject + use to + base verb? | Did you use to walk to school? |
| Short answer | Yes, + subject + did. No, + subject + didn't. | Yes, I did. No, I didn't. |
Used to only exists in the past. For present habits, use the present simple with usually (I usually walk to work), not I use to walk. It is pronounced /ˈjuːs tə/: you don't hear the d.
When to use used to
Past habits that stopped
Something you did often and don't do now.
- I used to get up at five when I worked in the factory.
- We used to go to the beach every Carnival.
- My dad used to smoke, but he stopped.
Past states that changed
What something or someone was like before.
- This building used to be a cinema.
- I used to have long hair.
- She used to be very shy.
Contrasting then and now
Useful to talk about changes in your life.
- I didn't use to like vegetables, but now I love them.
- There used to be a park here; now it's a parking lot.
Key words
These expressions go with used to and mark the contrast with the present:
- when I was a child / kid
- in the past
- before
- back then
- not … anymore
- now
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Correction | Why |
|---|---|---|
| ✗ I use to play soccer when I was a kid. | ✔ I used to play soccer when I was a kid. | In affirmative sentences it is used, with -d. |
| ✗ I used to playing soccer. | ✔ I used to play soccer. | After used to, use the base verb, not -ing. |
| ✗ I didn't used to eat meat. | ✔ I didn't use to eat meat. | With did, the -d disappears: did already shows the past. |
| ✗ I use to drink coffee every morning. | ✔ I usually drink coffee every morning. | For present habits, use usually, not use to. |
| ✗ I used to go to Quito last year. | ✔ I went to Quito last year. | Used to is for repeated habits or states, not a single action with a date. |
Used to vs be used to vs would
| Structure | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| used to + verb | A past habit or state that no longer happens | I used to work nights. |
| be used to + -ing / noun | To be accustomed to | I'm used to working nights. |
| get used to + -ing / noun | To become accustomed to | I'm getting used to working nights. |
| would + verb | A repeated past action (not states) | Every summer we would visit my grandma. |
Would works for repeated actions but not for states: say I used to have a dog, not I would have a dog.
Short conversation
Two friends look at an old photo.
A: Is that you in the photo?
B: Yes! I used to have really long hair in high school.
A: No way! Did you use to play in a band?
B: I did. We used to practice every Friday in my garage.
A: Do you still play?
B: Not anymore. I don't have time, but I always listen to music while I work — I'm used to it.
A: My brother used to play the drums. My mom hated it!
B: Ha! My neighbors didn't like it either.
10 exercises with answers
Complete with used to, use to, be used to or the correct form of the verb. In the last one, fix the mistake.
- I ___ (play) the piano when I was a child.
- She ___ (not / like) spicy food, but now she loves it.
- ___ you ___ (live) in the countryside?
- There ___ (be) a cinema on this street.
- We ___ (go) camping every summer.
- He ___ (not / wear) glasses.
- I'm ___ waking up early. (= I'm accustomed to it)
- My grandparents ___ (have) a small farm.
- It took me months to get used to ___ (drive) on the left.
- Fix the mistake: I use to walk to school when I was ten.
Show answers
- used to play
- didn't use to like
- Did … use to live
- used to be
- used to go
- didn't use to wear
- used to
- used to have
- driving
- I used to walk to school when I was ten.
Next step: if you don't know your level, take the English level test (about 15 minutes, with instant results). To keep working on this topic, see Vozi Grammar's English grammar exercises by level.
Frequently asked questions
What does used to mean?
It describes past habits or states that are no longer true: I used to live in Quito means I lived there before, but I don't now.
What is the difference between used to and be used to?
Used to + verb talks about a past habit (I used to work nights). Be used to + -ing means to be accustomed to something (I'm used to working nights).
Is it didn't used to or didn't use to?
The correct form is didn't use to, because after did the verb goes in the base form. Did you use to…? follows the same rule.
Can you use used to in the present?
No. For present habits, use the present simple, often with usually: I usually walk to work.