Hello! Today, we're going to explore a very common and useful English phrase: "used to." This phrase helps us talk about things that were true or happened regularly in the past but are no longer true or no longer happen now. It's a key phrase for describing past habits and states.
What Does 'Used to' Mean?
"Used to" has two main uses:
- Past Habits or Repeated Actions: It describes actions that you did regularly in the past, but which you do not do anymore.
Example: I used to play soccer every weekend when I was younger. (This means I played soccer regularly in the past, but I don't play it every weekend now.)
- Past States or Situations: It describes situations or facts that were true in the past, but are no longer true now.
Example: There used to be a small shop on this corner. (This means there was a shop there in the past, but it's not there now.)
Example: She used to live in New York. (This means she lived in New York in the past, but she lives somewhere else now.)
The Structure of 'Used to'
The structure of "used to" is quite straightforward, but it's important to remember that "to" is part of the phrase, and it's followed by the base form of the verb (the infinitive without "to").
1. Positive Sentences
Subject + used to + base form of verb
- We used to go camping every summer.
- He used to have long hair.
2. Negative Sentences
For negative sentences, we use "didn't use to" or "did not use to." Notice that "used" changes back to "use" because "did" already carries the past tense.
Subject + didn't use to + base form of verb
- I didn't use to like public speaking, but now I do.
- They didn't use to travel much before they retired.
3. Questions
For questions, we use "Did" at the beginning, and again, "used" changes to "use."
Did + subject + use to + base form of verb?
- Did you use to study English in high school?
- Did she use to work here?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It's easy to confuse "used to" with similar-sounding phrases:
- Don't confuse "used to" with "be used to" (meaning accustomed to).
Correct: I am used to waking up early. (This means I am accustomed to it now.)
Incorrect: I used to waking up early.
- Don't confuse "used to" with "get used to" (meaning to become accustomed to).
Correct: It took me a while to get used to the cold weather. (This means I became accustomed to it over time.)
Incorrect: It took me a while to used to the cold weather.
Why is 'Used to' Important for ESL Students?
- Describing Your Past: It allows you to talk about your life history, childhood, or previous situations clearly.
- Understanding Native Speakers: You will hear "used to" frequently in everyday conversations, movies, and TV shows.
- Improving Fluency: Using this phrase correctly adds nuance and sophistication to your English.
Practice using "used to" in your conversations and writing. Think about your own past habits and states, and try to form sentences using the different structures. It's one step at a time towards mastering English!