The use of “Used to” in English (EFL/ESL Grammar: Rules, use and practice)
In English, we use /used to/ to talk about things from the past which are no more true.
Ex: look at the table below. We use /used to/ with the past only to refer to things that no longer exist in the present.
| The past |
| She used to work in a school There used to be a cinema in this place I used to have a bike |
| The present |
| Now she is retired Now there is a supermarket Now I have a car |
Note:
Keep in mind that in sentences, the form used to doesn’t change. You shouldn’t use the verb “be” before it. It awalys refer to past tense.
Example: we used to go in-line skating when were children
Note: we are used to go in-line skating …or we were used to go in-line skating.
The form of /used to/:
| The basic form is: Subject + used to + verb (infinitive) |
| Affirmative |
| I used to be a teacher You used to be a teacher He used to be a teacher She used to be a teacher We used to be teachers You used to be teachers They used to be teachers |
| Negative |
| I didn’t use to be ateacher You didn’t use to be a teacher He didn’t use to be a teacher She didn’t use to be a teacher We didn’t use to be a teacher You didn’t use to be a teacher They didn’t use to be a teacher |
| Interrogative |
| Did I use to be a teacher? Did you use to be a teacher? Did he use to be a teacher? Did she use to be a teacher? Did we use to be teachers? Did you use to be teachers? Did they use to be teachers? |
Examples:
- I used to live in Canada
- She used to be a nurse
- He didn’t use to be a doctor
- Did you use to be a football player?
Used to Quiz Check your understanding here.. 
