Learn how to talk about past habits and states using 'used to' and 'would'. Master this essential grammar structure for describing past routines and situations.
What is 'Used to'?
'Used to' is used to talk about past habits, routines, or situations that were true in the past but are no longer true now. It helps you describe things that happened regularly or states that existed in the past.
For example: "I used to live in Paris" means I lived in Paris in the past, but I don't live there anymore.
Using 'Used to' for Past Habits
'Used to' is perfect for describing things you did regularly in the past:
"I used to play football every weekend" (I don't play anymore)
"She used to smoke" (She doesn't smoke now)
"We used to go to the cinema every Friday" (We don't do this anymore)
These sentences describe repeated actions in the past that no longer happen.
Using 'Used to' for Past States
'Used to' can also describe past states or situations:
"I used to be afraid of heights" (I'm not afraid now)
"This building used to be a factory" (It's not a factory anymore)
"There used to be a park here" (The park doesn't exist now)
These sentences describe how things were in the past, not actions.
'Used to' vs 'Would'
Both 'used to' and 'would' can describe past habits, but there are differences:
'Used to': Can describe both past habits and past states. "I used to live in London" (state) or "I used to play tennis" (habit)
'Would': Only describes past habits, not states. "I would play tennis every weekend" (habit) ✓ but "I would live in London" ✗ (incorrect)
'Would' is often used in stories to describe repeated actions: "Every summer, we would visit my grandparents."
Forming Questions and Negatives
Questions: "Did you use to...?" (Note: 'used' becomes 'use' in questions)
"Did you use to play piano?" "Where did you use to live?"
Negatives: "Didn't use to..." or "Never used to..."
"I didn't use to like coffee" "I never used to exercise"
Common Mistakes
❌ "I am used to live in London" (wrong - mixing 'used to' with 'be used to')
✅ "I used to live in London" (correct)
❌ "I use to play tennis" (wrong - missing 'd')
✅ "I used to play tennis" (correct)
Remember: 'Used to' is always in the past. You can't use it for present habits.
Practice Tips
Think about your past: What did you use to do? Where did you use to live? What did you use to like? Practice talking about your past habits and states using 'used to'.
Compare your past and present: "I used to hate vegetables, but now I love them." This helps you practice 'used to' while describing changes.
