Affirmative form:
used to + infinitive
I used to go there in my childhood.
Ann used to have headaches, now she feels quite well.
Interrogative form - spoken English:
Did ... use to?
Did ... used to?
Did you use to read a lot?
Did he use to do that?
Did he used to do that?
Interrogative form - official and written English:
Used ... to ...?
Used he to do that?
Negative form - spoken English:
didn "t use to ...
used not to ...
I didn "t use to read a lot.
He didn "t use to do that.
He didn "t used to do that(more often they say He never used to do that)
Negative form - official and written English:
used not to ...
usedn't to ...
I used not to do that.
I usedn "t to do that.
Used to + infinitive used only in the past tense (but not in the present). You can't say "I use to do". For the present tense, the present simple (I do) is used.
Comparative sentences for present and past tense:
past: He used to play tennis there. - He used to play tennis there.
present: He plays tennis there. - He plays tennis there.
Use of turnover used to
1. Used to is used to describe events that regularly happened in the past, and then stopped: either temporarily or permanently. The phrase used to is also used when describing states that took place in the past, and then changed (at least for a while):
I used to go to the south with my parents when a child. - When I was a child, my parents and I traveled south.(meaning repeatedly, possibly every summer)
2. Used to can also be used to describe a situation that existed in the past (and now does not exist):
We used to live in Spain but now we live in France. - We used to live in Spain, and now in France.
There used to be a garden in front of the house, now you can see a restaurant in its place. - There used to be a garden in front of the house, but now there is a restaurant.
Note: not to be confused used to do and be used to / get used to... They differ in both design and meaning, see as well as turnover used to and the verb would: cm.
English learners find it difficult to master the "used to, be / get used to" rule. Many people simply confuse similar-sounding designs. To use these phrases correctly, you need to understand what they mean.
Past habits
Expression usedto denotes actions that often happened in the past, but are no longer happening now. Usually the construction is translated as "before", "once".
I used to go for a walk every morning. Unfortunately,Ihavenotimenow. - I used to go for a walk every morning. Unfortunately, now I do not have time for this.
He used to be a shop-assistant. Nowisamillionaire. - Once he was a salesman, and now he is a millionaire.
In this case, we are only talking about past habits, so the verb cannot be used in the present tense. In other words, you cannot say "use to". The rules of use require the formulation of the verb in Past Simple. If you need to say about the habits that exist at the moment, use Present Simple.
I used to eat bananas for breakfast. - EarlierI amateonbreakfastbananas.
Iusuallyeatbananasforbreakfast. - I usually eat bananas for breakfast.
Please note: after the particle to is always infinitive. Other forms of the verb are not allowed here.
My sister used to be a naughty child. - Mysisterwasnaughtybaby.
Let's continue with the rule. Usedto is used not only in affirmative sentences. We can safely construct a negative or interrogative sentence.
In the question, the first place is given did followed by the subject and use to. The past tense is taken over by the auxiliary verb, so the initial form should be used useto.
Didsheusetowakeupearlywhenshewenttoschool? - Did she get up early when she went to school?
Did they use to spend vacation together? - Earliertheycarried outtogethervacation?
In negative sentences, a particle is added to the auxiliary verb not, a useto is also put in the initial form.
I didn’t use to smoke when I was a schoolboy. - I AMnotsmoked, whenwentvschool.
Shedidn 'tusetoplaygolf. “She didn't play golf before.
Used to or would?
When it comes to old habits sometimes they use another expression - would.
Kate would go to a swimming pool once a week. - EarlierKatewentvpooloncevweek.
Remember an important rule: usedto can indicate both an action and a state.
Action: Myparentsdidn 'tusetogotoagym. - My parents did not go to the gym before.
State: John didn "tusetoloveRockmusic. - Once upon a time John did not like rock music.
Would only indicates a recurring action in the past. It is not used to describe a state.
My friend used to go shopping every weekend. Myfriendwouldgoshoppingeveryweekend. “Before, my friend went shopping every weekend.
But you can't say: John would love Rock music. This sentence should use usedto.
Would can also describe activities that have occurred from time to time (often with an element of nostalgia). A good translation in this case is the word "happened".
InmychildhoodIwouldgoforapicnicalmosteveryweekend. - As a child, I used to go to a picnic almost every weekend.
If you do not specify the regularity of the action, use usedto rather than would.
Whenhewasachildheusedtowakeuplate. - He woke up late when he was a child (general situation, regularity not specified).
Whenhewasachild,hewouldwakeuplateatweekends. - When he was a child, he woke up late on weekends (it is indicated how often the action was performed).
Have a habit of doing something
Let's look at one more rule. Used to often confused with to be used to. However, they have completely different meanings. Expression tobeusedto means "to have a habit of doing something", and it can be replaced with a synonymous construction tobeaccustomedto... Previously, a person did not do this, but now his lifestyle has changed.
Heisusedtogettingupat 9am. - He used to get up at 9 am (he didn’t do that before).
Since we are talking about a habit that a person has at the moment, the verb tobe it is logical to put in the present tense. For past habits, use the expression we are already familiar with. usedto / didn "t use to. Compare:
My brother didn’t use to eat healthy food. - Mybrotherearliernotateusefulfood.
Now he is used to eating healthy food. - Nowheused tothere isusefulfood.
Don't forget to put a particle to- there is no expression useddoing... The rule also requires the use of a gerund rather than an infinitive.
Jesse is used to making his bed in the morning. - Jesseused toobscurebedonmornings.
I am used to go to school on my foot. - I AMused towalkvschoolon foot.
Get used to something
Phrase togetusedto very close in meaning to the previous construction. But there is a certain shade of meaning - "get used to", "master", "adapt". In this case, the synonymous construction will be tobecomeaccustomedto.
It is difficult to get used to a new climate. - TOnewclimatehardadapt.
Here we are talking about a habit that is just beginning to form.
He is getting used to doing the laundry twice a week. - Heteachesmyselfwashclothestwiceperweek.
After particle to a gerund should also be used.
TheyaregettingusedtospeakingChinese. - They get used to speaking Chinese.
What grammatical tense should be put getusedto? The rule allows you to use any time that fits the meaning.
Ittookhersometimetogetusedtonewtraditions. - It took some time before she got used to new traditions.
In a few weeks you will get used to the local cuisine. - Acrosscoupleweeksyouget used toTolocalkitchen.
Exercises
We have detailed the use of usedto /beusedto /getusedto. The rule divides these constructions by meaning and grammar. Practice using them in practice. Insert suitable words into the text. Don't forget to pick the right time.
- Jane -_ smoke a lot. Then she quit it. - Jen used to smoke a lot. But then she quit smoking.
- I see you -_ new rules. Keep it up! “I see you're getting used to the new rules. Keep it up!
- How long did it take him to _ living in the suburbs? - How long did it take him to get used to life in the suburbs?
- You _ be very hardworking. You have become a lazybones! - You were so hard working. You've turned into a lazy person!
- We _ speaking two languages. - We are used to speaking two languages.
- He _ coming in time. - He taught himself to come on time.
- I _ drinking tea. Coffee is bad for my health. - I got into the habit of drinking tea. Coffee is bad for me.
- Why don’t you _ putting fewer spices in your food. I can’t eat it! - Why don't you train yourself to put less spices in your food! I can't eat this!
- I _ sweeping the floor every day. - I used to sweep the floor every day.
- I _ his pronunciation. Does anyone understand what he says? - I can't get used to his pronunciation. Does anyone even understand what he is saying?
- Monika _ be a doctor, but she has already retired. - Once Monica worked as a doctor. But she is already a pensioner.
- We _ be friends. Then something went wrong. - We were friends. But then something went wrong.
In English, to express repetitive actions in the past, can be used used to construct.
Formation Method Used To
used to + I form of the verb
For example:
I used to go to the beach every day.
Earlier Every day I went to the beach.
It is undesirable to use the construction "used to" in interrogative and negative sentences, but sometimes, in colloquial English, such use occurs. However, in interrogative and negative sentences, it is better to use Simple Past.
Use Used To
An action that often took place in the past
"Used to" is used to describe actions that used to happen quite often, but now do not happen at all. When translating into Russian, the words "earlier", "before", etc. are often added.
For example:
Jerry used to study English.
Jerry studied before English.
Sam and mary used to go to Mexico in the summer.
Sam and Mary used to drive often to Mexico in the summer.
I used to start work at 9 o "clock.
Earlier I am started work at 9 o'clock.
Christine used to eat meat, but now she is a vegetarian.
Earlier Kristina ate meat, and now she's a vegetarian.
Selected facts or general statements in the past
"Used to" can be used to describe individual facts or general statements that were previously true but are no longer true. When translating into Russian, the words "earlier", "before", etc. are also often added.
For example:
I used to live in Paris.
Earlier I am lived in Paris.
Sarah used to be fat, but now she is thin.
Earlier Sarah was fat, but now she's thin.
George used to be the best student in class, but now Lena is the best.
Earlier George was the best student in the class, but now the best Lena.
Oranges used to cost very little in Florida, but now they are quite expensive.
Earlier oranges in florida cost very cheap, but now they are very expensive.
Used To or Simple Past
Both "used to" and Simple Past can be used to describe recurring events in the past, individual facts that are no longer true. However, "used to" is preferred when the repetitiveness of the past is emphasized in affirmative sentences. However, in interrogative and negative sentences, Simple Past is preferred.
For example:
You used to play the piano.
Earlier you played on the piano.
Did you play the piano when you were young?
You are in childhood played on the piano?
You did not play the piano when you were young.
In childhood you did not play on the piano.
Interrogative and negative sentences using Used To
As mentioned above, the use of "used to" in interrogative and negative sentences is undesirable. However, sometimes such use still occurs.
In questions, the verb used acts like an ordinary verb, and the question is structured like an ordinary general question.
For example:
Did you use to watch Mickey Mouse?
Have you watched Mickey Mouse?
Did you use to like school?
Did you enjoy learning at school?
Likewise, a negative sentence with a verb used is built in the usual way.
For example:
I didn "t use to watch Mickey Mouse.
I AM haven't looked before Mickey Mouse.
The following form is also possible:
I used not to watch Mickey Mouse.
The verb Would
Like used to, the verb would can be used to express repetitive actions in the past.
In some cases would completely similar to "used to".
For example:
I used to go swimming twice a week. - I would go swimming twice a week.
I AM used to swim two times a week.
However, in most cases, would, unlike "used to", denotes actions that occurred from time to time, without opposing it to the present moment. With this use would used with timestamps when the action took place. Into Russian would translated with the words "happened", "before."
For example:
When I was young, I would visit my grandmother every summer.
As a child I used to visit grandmother every summer.
Would cannot be used to describe states, individual facts or general provisions in the past, but only can be used for repeated actions in the past.
For example:
I would play the piano. ( Wrong)
I used to play the piano. ( Right)
I used to play the piano.
English learners find it difficult to master the "used to, be / get used to" rule. Many people simply confuse similar-sounding designs. To use these phrases correctly, you need to understand what they mean.
Past habits
Expression usedto denotes actions that often happened in the past, but are no longer happening now. Usually the construction is translated as "before", "once".
I used to go for a walk every morning. Unfortunately,Ihavenotimenow. - I used to go for a walk every morning. Unfortunately, now I do not have time for this.
He used to be a shop-assistant. Nowisamillionaire. - Once he was a salesman, and now he is a millionaire.
In this case, we are only talking about past habits, so the verb cannot be used in the present tense. In other words, you cannot say "use to". The rules of use require the formulation of the verb in Past Simple. If you need to say about the habits that exist at the moment, use Present Simple.
I used to eat bananas for breakfast. - EarlierI amateonbreakfastbananas.
Iusuallyeatbananasforbreakfast. - I usually eat bananas for breakfast.
Please note: after the particle to is always infinitive. Other forms of the verb are not allowed here.
My sister used to be a naughty child. - Mysisterwasnaughtybaby.
Let's continue with the rule. Usedto is used not only in affirmative sentences. We can safely construct a negative or interrogative sentence.
In the question, the first place is given did followed by the subject and use to. The past tense is taken over by the auxiliary verb, so the initial form should be used useto.
Didsheusetowakeupearlywhenshewenttoschool? - Did she get up early when she went to school?
Did they use to spend vacation together? - Earliertheycarried outtogethervacation?
In negative sentences, a particle is added to the auxiliary verb not, a useto is also put in the initial form.
I didn’t use to smoke when I was a schoolboy. - I AMnotsmoked, whenwentvschool.
Shedidn 'tusetoplaygolf. “She didn't play golf before.
Used to or would?
When it comes to old habits sometimes they use another expression - would.
Kate would go to a swimming pool once a week. - EarlierKatewentvpooloncevweek.
Remember an important rule: usedto can indicate both an action and a state.
Action: Myparentsdidn 'tusetogotoagym. - My parents did not go to the gym before.
State: John didn "tusetoloveRockmusic. - Once upon a time John did not like rock music.
Would only indicates a recurring action in the past. It is not used to describe a state.
My friend used to go shopping every weekend. Myfriendwouldgoshoppingeveryweekend. “Before, my friend went shopping every weekend.
But you can't say: John would love Rock music. This sentence should use usedto.
Would can also describe activities that have occurred from time to time (often with an element of nostalgia). A good translation in this case is the word "happened".
InmychildhoodIwouldgoforapicnicalmosteveryweekend. - As a child, I used to go to a picnic almost every weekend.
If you do not specify the regularity of the action, use usedto rather than would.
Whenhewasachildheusedtowakeuplate. - He woke up late when he was a child (general situation, regularity not specified).
Whenhewasachild,hewouldwakeuplateatweekends. - When he was a child, he woke up late on weekends (it is indicated how often the action was performed).
Have a habit of doing something
Let's look at one more rule. Used to often confused with to be used to. However, they have completely different meanings. Expression tobeusedto means "to have a habit of doing something", and it can be replaced with a synonymous construction tobeaccustomedto... Previously, a person did not do this, but now his lifestyle has changed.
Heisusedtogettingupat 9am. - He used to get up at 9 am (he didn’t do that before).
Since we are talking about a habit that a person has at the moment, the verb tobe it is logical to put in the present tense. For past habits, use the expression we are already familiar with. usedto / didn "t use to. Compare:
My brother didn’t use to eat healthy food. - Mybrotherearliernotateusefulfood.
Now he is used to eating healthy food. - Nowheused tothere isusefulfood.
Don't forget to put a particle to- there is no expression useddoing... The rule also requires the use of a gerund rather than an infinitive.
Jesse is used to making his bed in the morning. - Jesseused toobscurebedonmornings.
I am used to go to school on my foot. - I AMused towalkvschoolon foot.
Get used to something
Phrase togetusedto very close in meaning to the previous construction. But there is a certain shade of meaning - "get used to", "master", "adapt". In this case, the synonymous construction will be tobecomeaccustomedto.
It is difficult to get used to a new climate. - TOnewclimatehardadapt.
Here we are talking about a habit that is just beginning to form.
He is getting used to doing the laundry twice a week. - Heteachesmyselfwashclothestwiceperweek.
After particle to a gerund should also be used.
TheyaregettingusedtospeakingChinese. - They get used to speaking Chinese.
What grammatical tense should be put getusedto? The rule allows you to use any time that fits the meaning.
Ittookhersometimetogetusedtonewtraditions. - It took some time before she got used to new traditions.
In a few weeks you will get used to the local cuisine. - Acrosscoupleweeksyouget used toTolocalkitchen.
Exercises
We have detailed the use of usedto /beusedto /getusedto. The rule divides these constructions by meaning and grammar. Practice using them in practice. Insert suitable words into the text. Don't forget to pick the right time.
- Jane -_ smoke a lot. Then she quit it. - Jen used to smoke a lot. But then she quit smoking.
- I see you -_ new rules. Keep it up! “I see you're getting used to the new rules. Keep it up!
- How long did it take him to _ living in the suburbs? - How long did it take him to get used to life in the suburbs?
- You _ be very hardworking. You have become a lazybones! - You were so hard working. You've turned into a lazy person!
- We _ speaking two languages. - We are used to speaking two languages.
- He _ coming in time. - He taught himself to come on time.
- I _ drinking tea. Coffee is bad for my health. - I got into the habit of drinking tea. Coffee is bad for me.
- Why don’t you _ putting fewer spices in your food. I can’t eat it! - Why don't you train yourself to put less spices in your food! I can't eat this!
- I _ sweeping the floor every day. - I used to sweep the floor every day.
- I _ his pronunciation. Does anyone understand what he says? - I can't get used to his pronunciation. Does anyone even understand what he is saying?
- Monika _ be a doctor, but she has already retired. - Once Monica worked as a doctor. But she is already a pensioner.
- We _ be friends. Then something went wrong. - We were friends. But then something went wrong.
These three constructs are often tricky, especially for inexperienced English users. Used to used to talk about habits. Wherein used to + inf. refers exclusively to the past, and get used to + noun / -ing or be used to + noun / -ing can be used at any time. To understand in what situations it is necessary to apply each of the constructions, we will consider them in more detail.
Used to + Inf.
Used to + Inf. is used only for the past tense and for those repetitive actions, states and habits that are no longer relevant now.
- She used to be overweight, but now she’s slim.- She used to be overweight, but now she has lost weight.
- We used to live in Canada, but now we live in the US.- We used to live in Canada, but now we live in the States.
Design used to + inf. can be replaced with regular Past simple with the same meaning. This construction can be used to emphasize the past, but in general it has the same meaning as Past Simple.
- She used to work a lot before she had a child. = She worked a lot before she had a child. - She worked hard before she had a baby.
- I used to work overtime before I left that job. = I worked overtime before I left that job. - I worked superficially until I quit that job.
Design used to + inf. cannot be used for one-time actions that occurred at a specific point in time in the past, in such cases it is necessary to use only Past Simple.
- I used to see him only once. – I saw him only once.- I've only seen him once
- I used to go to Egypt last year. – I went to Egypt last year.- I went to Egypt last year.
Get used to / Be used to + noun / -ing
These two constructs are very similar, they are both used to talk about what we are used to at the time of the conversation, but there is still a slight difference. Design get used to + noun / -ing applies to the habituation process, and be used to + noun / -ing- to the result. Both of these constructions are used when there is a moment of adaptation to a new situation. Usually used to talk about habitual daily activities Present Simple.
Be used to + noun / -ing
If we are used to a new situation and want to inform the interlocutor about this, we need to use be used to + noun / -ing... The design can be used not only in the present tense, but also in the past and future.
- I’ve lived in London for three years and I’m used to bad weather.- I've been living in London for three years now and I'm used to bad weather.
- When I met Alan I was used to living alone and I didn’t want any flat mates.- When I met Alan, I was used to living on my own and did not want any roommates.
- I'm new in this town, but in a year I will be used to this place.- I'm new to this city, but in a year I will get used to this place.
This construction is not used during group times. Continuous / Progressive or Perfect... For these times, the construction is applied get used to + noun / -ing.
- I am being used to driving this car.–I'm getting used to driving this car.- I'm getting used to driving this car.
- I have been used to having lunch at work. –I have got used to having lunch at work.- I'm used to having lunch at work.
Get used to + noun / -ing
If getting used to a new situation required some effort from us, or we want to focus on the process or duration of habituation, then in these cases it is better to apply the construction get used to + noun / -ing... Just like the previous one, this construction can also be applied to the present, past and future tense.
- When I moved from my parents, first time I felt lonely. But now I got used to living alone.- When I moved from my parents, at first I felt lonely. But now I'm used to living alone.
- I don’t like Chinese food, but I’ll get used to it when I move to China.- I don't like Chinese food, but I will get used to it when I move to China.
- I didn’t like our new colleague from the first sight, and I’m still getting used to him.- I didn't like the new colleague at first sight, and I'm still getting used to him.
Important! After used to only infinitive is used. After be / get used to used by either gerund(verb ending -ing), or noun(noun).
Now for a short test. Read the next example and if you understand everything, then you have probably learned the rules of using all constructions with used to.
Before I got a child I used to sleep until 9 a.m. Firstly, I wasn’t used to getting up at 6 a.m., but now I’m getting used to it.
