/Tenses — Past
B1Tenses — Past

Used To

1

What is it?

"Used to" is a special structure in English that we use to talk about past habits, routines, and states that are no longer true. It makes it clear that something was regular in the past but has now changed. "I used to play football" means I played football regularly at some point in my past — but I no longer do. This structure is very natural in spoken English and adds a lot of nuance to talking about the past.

2

How to form it

SubjectPositiveNegativeQuestion
II used to workI didn't use to workDid you use to work?
YouYou used to workYou didn't use to workDid you use to work?
He / She / ItShe used to workShe didn't use to workDid she use to work?
WeWe used to workWe didn't use to workDid we use to work?
TheyThey used to workThey didn't use to workDid they use to work?
  • • Positive: subject + used to + base verb. 'Used' does NOT change.
  • • Negative: subject + didn't use to + base verb. (Note: 'use to', not 'used to' after didn't.)
  • • Question: Did + subject + use to + base verb? (Note: 'use to', not 'used to' after did.)
  • • 'Used to' is ONLY used for past habits/states — not present ones. There is no 'use to' in the present tense.
  • • Don't confuse with 'be used to + -ing' (= be accustomed to) or 'get used to + -ing' (= become accustomed to).
3

When to use it

  1. 1

    Past habits — regular actions in the past that no longer happen.

    "We used to walk to school every day." / "I used to bite my nails, but I stopped."

  2. 2

    Past states — situations that were true in the past but are no longer true.

    "She used to live in Rome." / "They used to be very close friends."

  3. 3

    Implying change — "used to" always implies the situation has changed.

    "He used to be very shy." (He is no longer shy.) / "I used to love this song." (I no longer love it as much.)

  4. 4

    Negative form — used to say something was not the case in the past.

    "I didn't use to enjoy mornings, but now I'm an early riser."

4

Common mistakes

I use to drink a lot of coffee.

I used to drink a lot of coffee.

In positive statements, always write 'used to' (with a 'd'). The form 'use to' (without 'd') only appears after 'did/didn't'.

Did she used to live here?

Did she use to live here?

After 'did', the verb is always in the base form: 'use to', not 'used to'.

I am used to wake up early.

I am used to waking up early.

'Be used to' means 'be accustomed to' and is followed by a noun or -ing form. Don't confuse it with 'used to' + base verb.

5

Quick reference

  • 'Used to' talks about past habits and states that are now finished.
  • Positive: used to + base verb. Negative: didn't use to + base verb.
  • Question: Did + subject + use to + base verb?
  • It always implies a contrast with the present — things have changed.
  • Don't confuse with 'be used to + -ing' (accustomed) or 'get used to + -ing' (becoming accustomed).
  • 'Would' can also be used for repeated past actions, but NOT for past states.
6

Natural conversation example

Two old friends catching up at a school reunion.

C

Claire

It's so strange being back here. Do you remember how we used to spend every lunch break in the library?
M

Marco

I do. I used to pretend to study but really I was just chatting to you.
C

Claire

This place used to feel huge. Now it seems so small.
M

Marco

I know. I used to be terrified of the head teacher. I can't imagine why now.
C

Claire

Did you use to play in the orchestra? I feel like I remember you with a violin.
M

Marco

Ha — I used to. I gave it up at 16. I didn't use to practise enough, honestly.
C

Claire

I didn't use to like school much at the time, but now I think of it fondly.
M

Marco

Same. Funny how that works, isn't it?

Practice Exercises

Complete each sentence with the correct form of "used to" and the verb in brackets.

  1. 1.
    She (live) in Paris before she moved to London.
  2. 2.
    I (not / like) coffee, but now I can't start the day without it.
  3. 3.
    (you / have) a pet when you were growing up?
  4. 4.
    They (go) on holiday every summer as a family.
  5. 5.
    He (be) much more patient when he was younger.
  6. 6.
    (she / work) for the same company as you?
  7. 7.
    We (not / have) a car — we went everywhere by bike.
  8. 8.
    He (cycle) to work until he hurt his knee.
  9. 9.
    I (not / care) about what people thought of me.
  10. 10.
    (they / own) a restaurant? I'm sure I remember one.
Past Simple or Past ContinuousAll TopicsPast Perfect

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