Used to

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1. Form

Used to is always followed by the base form of the verb (infinitive without "to"):

Subject + used to + base verb

Examples:

• I used to smoke cigarettes.
• She used to live in Paris.
• They used to play tennis every weekend.

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2. When Do We Use "Used to"?

a) Past habits (actions we did regularly)

We use "used to" for actions that happened repeatedly in the past but no longer happen:

• I used to go to the gym every day.
• She used to drink coffee, but now she prefers tea.
• They used to travel a lot when they were young.

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b) Past states (situations that were true)

We use "used to" for states or situations that existed in the past but don't exist now:

• I used to have long hair.
• This building used to be a school.
• He used to be very shy.

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c) Past facts that are no longer true

We use "used to" for things that were generally true in the past:

• People used to think the world was flat.
• Cars used to be much slower.
• London used to be much smaller.

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3. Negative Form

Subject + didn't use to + base verb

• I didn't use to like vegetables.
• She didn't use to speak English.
• They didn't use to have a car.

Note: In British English, you might also see "used not to" or "usedn't to":

• I used not to like vegetables. (British English)

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4. Question Form

Did + subject + use to + base verb?

• Did you use to play football?
• Did she use to work here?
• Did they use to live in this house?

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5. Common Mistakes

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6. "Used to" vs "Be used to"

These are completely different structures:

"Used to" (past habit):

• I used to smoke. (I smoked in the past, but I don't smoke now.)

"Be used to" (be accustomed to):

• I am used to smoking. (Smoking is normal for me now.)

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7. "Used to" vs Past Simple

• Used to: emphasizes that the habit or state is completely finished.

  • I used to live in London. (I lived there regularly for a period, but I don't live there anymore.)

• Past Simple: just states what happened in the past.

  • I lived in London. (I lived there at some point in the past.)

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Quick Review

• Form: used to + base verb.
• Uses: past habits, past states, past facts that are no longer true.
• Negative: didn't use to + base verb.
• Questions: Did + subject + use to + base verb?
• Remember: Always use base form after "used to".
• Don't confuse with "be used to" (be accustomed to).