Instructions
We use used to + verb for talking about states or actions that were true or happened in the past, but are not true or do not happen now.
Can you give me some examples?
Yes, of course.
London’s nothing like it used to be!
She used to go away on really long trips.
OK. So now she doesn’t go away on really long trips?
Exactly. Used to is always for talking about actions or states in the past that are not true now.
The record shop I always used to visit is now a really cool café. (I don’t visit the place now.)
Why can’t you use the past simple?
Well, you can, of course. But we use used to to emphasise that the state or action is not true now or does not happen now.
What about the negative?
We use do in the past + not + the infinitive, use to + verb. The question is formed in a similar way.
He didn’t use to wear nice clothes and recently he’s been looking quite cool.
So what else did you use to go to London for?
That’s quite a long construction – three verbs!
Yes, but used to doesn’t change – it’s always in the past simple.
Always in the past simple? So you can’t use it in the present?
No, it’s a strange verb. We only use it in the past.
I think I used to use it in the present too.
Oh dear. You won’t any more, will you?
No, I didn’t use to know the rules, but now I do.
Worksheets and downloads
Transcript
Discussion
How have you changed, compared to when you were little? What activities did you use to do that you’ve stopped doing now?
Comments
I didn't use to like chicken, but now chicken is my style. hi hi
haha
When I was a child I used to be a big fan of sport cars but now I don't
When I was a child, I didn't use to eat cheese. Now I love it. I also didn't use to play piano and study languages. I used to play and sleep, nothing else.
When I was a child I used to watch disney movies but now i dont.
when I was chil i used to wear neck lace, but now I do not.
when I was child I used to be quiet but now I love speak.
I used to go the museum but now I don't.
when i was child i used to practice tennis but now i don't
i used to watch dragonball but now i don´t
when I was a child I used to watch cartoons but now i do not and I used to play soccer with my friends every day but now I don't
I used to eat dirt...No really, I'm kidding.
When I was child, I used to live with my granny, my mum used to work in a bank, she didn't used to stay in home. I didn't used to talk with other kids, I dont know why... just, didn't like me. I used to disassemble any electronic device, I was quite curious.
When I was little I used to hate pizza and peppers but now I love it. I used to watch Dennis the menace, cartoons and play hopscotch.
When I was little I used to hate pizza and peppers but now I love it. I used to watch Dennis the menace, cartoons and play hopscotch.
when I was a child I used to practice karate in Karate Federation but now I don't practice...
when I was a child I used to play with my friends every day but now I don't
When I was a child I used to watch Doraemon buy now I don't. I used to hate broccoli but now It's my favorite food. When I was a child I didn't use to have cellphone, but now I have two cellphones. When I was a child I used to play in the park, but now I see a lot of TV.
When i was a child i used to eat onions, but now i hate it.
When i was little i used to like some milk, but now, i don't drink it very much.....
And when i was little i didn't like to draw, but i like to draw and l really like art :)
when I was a child I used to watch cartoons but now i do not
When i was young i used to hate tomatoes but now it's my favorite food.
WOooow...Nice video,This Video is really helpful.
when i became young many things changed ... i used to hate all salades , vegetarian food en general but now it's my favorite food and it will always be.
then when i was child i used to play with barbies now i became addicted to facebook.
There is lot of change, especially the height. There is no way to try those so there is not any changes in my eating style. i used to swim, but now i always sleep only.
Yes when i was little i used to watch movies but now i do not
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