How to use “Used to” in English
For English learners, “used to” is a very helpful phrase.
It is used when we talk about a habit or a situation that existed in the past but no longer exists now.
🔹 Meaning of “Used to”
The phrase “used to” means “something that happened in the past but does not happen anymore.”
It is mainly used for past habits, repeated actions, or past situations.
🔸 Structure:
Subject + used to + base verb (V1)
| Subject | Used to | Verb (V1) |
|---|---|---|
| I | used to | play |
✅ Examples
I used to play cricket every evening.
She used to live in Delhi.
We used to go to the fair every year.
He used to eat junk food, but now he eats healthy.
❌ Negative Sentences
Structure:
Subject + didn’t use to + base verb
Examples:
I didn’t use to like coffee before.
She didn’t use to drive a car.
📝 Note: In negative and interrogative sentences, we use “use”, not “used.”
❓ Interrogative Sentences
Structure:
Did + subject + use to + base verb?
Examples:
Did you use to study late at night?
Did he use to work here?
🧠 “Be used to” vs “Used to”
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Used to | A past habit or situation that no longer exists | I used to eat sweets. (I don’t eat them now.) |
| Be used to | Being accustomed to something (still true) | I am used to eating sweets. (I’m still in the habit of eating them.) |
✍️ Practice Sentences
We used to play in the garden.
Did you use to read storybooks as a child?
He didn’t use to speak English well.
I used to be shy in school.
My grandparents used to tell us bedtime stories.
📌 Conclusion
“Used to” is a powerful expression that helps you talk about past habits or situations clearly and naturally.
If you practice this structure regularly, you will notice a significant improvement in your English fluency.