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
When I was a child I used to swim and every night before sleeping I listened to my mother reading fairy tales, but now I don't like that sport anymore and I can read alone. It's much more fun!
When i was a child, i used to play tennis twice a week, now i go to The gym.
when i was younger i used to play with my family board games . now we don't play with them anymore due to homework and work.
When I was a child I used to go to a lake with my father while now we no longer love each other
When I was little I was really active and I used to do a lot of things. For example I used to play basketball and I did swimming lessons. Now I haven't changed because I really like sports, but now I play volleyball.
When i was a child i used to make wonderful homemade orange juice in the summer with my grandmother and i used to play basketball.
When I was little, i used to enjoy goin out with my friends, fooling around in the village. Now i like staying inside and gaming for an unholy amount of hours.
When i was little i used to dance but i don’ t do it anymore
How have you changed, compared to when you were little? What activities did you use to do that you’ve stopped doing now? Yes , of course . I used to be playful and I never studied seriously . But now my main focus is on studying .
when i was little i used play video games,go to swimming,see cartoons on TV all the time,ride my bicycle with my friend,go to summer camp with my neighbor friends,eat a lot and so much more but i don't do this anymore,except cartoon sometimes ,being shy in front of teachers but not now
When I was little I used to play video game especially play station.It was attractive game for every children.But now I don't play any more.I also used to shy whenever my mum next to me.Mum leave next to me.I talk a lot with friend.Nowadays I talk a lot .It doesn't matter who is surrounded me.
When I was little I used to paint and draw a lot. But I don't do it anymore.
I used to be the number one
i used to be number two
I used to be shy, but after becoming a middle school student, I become very active...Maybe my classmates affect me.
I used to go to school on foot when I was nine years old but now I have my own bicycle which I have saved my money from work for 2 years.
I used to be shy whenever I spoke with teachers at school and my parents' visitors to my house. I used to play outside, which got me out of it. I'm still shy actually. I've changed a bit, I learned how to hide my shyness. People never seem to be aware of my effort...
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I used to be shy and ashamed when I was about 10yo, but now I'm a really "cool person" and "sole of company" as they say..
I eat well and do a lot of sports, and I feel fine
When i was little, i used to play with Barbie, Lego, but know i do sports! And i used to do dance, but know i do waterpolo!
I grew up so much...
I used to cry a lot for everything! I don't do it anymore.
I used to play with dolls when I was little. Now I play sports.
I used to go to school with my sister and my mother. I found it very embarrassing, because all of my friends went alone to school. Fortunately, it's not the case today. ;)
When I was a little girl. I used to ride the cow, it was funny! But now, I can't. It's too bad!!!
When I was a kid I used to go to church. Now I avoid it whenever I can.
I used to have to use a stool to reach the bathroom sink to brush my teeth.
Hi Guys,
Have a good day.
Could you please give me some examples of how we could use the past simple instead of used to.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Hi Mabdelaziz. Ok, let's look at some examples.
The essential meaning of these three sentences is similar. But:
Does that help to understand it?
Jonathan (LearnEnglish Teens Team)
Hi Jonathan,
Thank you so much for your explanation.
It is really easy to understand with the examples .
Appreciate your swift response .
I used to learn French, but now I learn English.
I like speaking English very much"
When I was a child, I used to ride on a buffalo. That's exciting but now I don't.
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