Used to in English: Definition, Rules and Examples

The phrase “used to” in English describes past habits or states that no longer happen in the present. In this guide, you’ll learn its meaning, grammar structure, and how to form questions or negatives. Includes real-life examples and simple exercises for better practice.

I. What is Used to in English?

The phrase “used to” is a common structure in English grammar that expresses actions, habits, or states that happened regularly in the past but no longer occur in the present.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “used to” is defined as:
"a phrase used to refer to something that regularly happened or was true in the past but that does not happen or is not true now."

It is a helpful structure for talking about past routines, behaviors, or situations that have since changed.

When to Use “Used to”:

Below is an overview of common situations where “used to” is appropriate:

Key Notes:

• "Used to" is followed by the bare infinitive (used to + V).

• Common with action verbs (play, drive, write) and state verbs (be, believe, live).

• Do not use it for things that are still true.

1. The Grammar Structure of “Used to”

The phrase “used to” follows a consistent grammatical pattern and is used with the bare infinitive verb (the base form without “to”) to describe past habits or states. Although it refers to the past, it is not treated like a typical past tense verb when forming questions or negatives.

Below are the key sentence structures with “used to”:

Important Notes:

• Do not confuse “used to” with “use to” in writing. In affirmative sentences, always write “used to”.

• The verb following “used to” is always in its base form, such as go, live, play, not goes or playing.

• In speech, “used to” and “use to” may sound the same, but in writing, the distinction matters.

Understanding this structure is essential to using “used to” accurately, whether in conversation, writing, or standardized English exams.

•  For more patterns with base verbs, explore causative verbs.

2. Difference Between “Used to” and Similar Structures’

Although “used to,” “be used to,” and “get used to” may look similar, they differ in meaning, structure, and how they function in a sentence. This section breaks down the differences to help you use each one correctly.

Quick Overview of Meanings

Structure Comparison Table

Example Breakdown

• Used to (past habit/state):
  I used to eat fast food every day. (But I don’t anymore.)

• Be used to (present comfort):
  She is used to the cold weather. (It doesn’t bother her.)

• Get used to (process of adapting):
  He is getting used to working night shifts. (It's still difficult, but improving.)

Important Notes:

• After used to, always use the base form of the verb (no -ing).

• After be/get used to, use a noun or a gerund (V-ing).

• While “used to” only refers to the past, "be/get used to" can work in any tense depending on the verb “be” or “get”.

Mastering these differences will help you avoid one of the most common grammar mistakes among intermediate English learners.

• If you want to review the difference between verb forms, check to v and ving.

II. Examples of “Used to” in Real-life Contexts

Learning grammar is useful—but knowing how to apply it in real-life situations is essential. Below are practical examples of “used to” in both everyday communication and academic settings. These sentences show how native speakers naturally express past habits or states using this structure.

In Daily Life and Conversations

These examples reflect common topics like childhood, lifestyle changes, habits, and places—perfect for everyday conversations.

• You can also learn an effective study method with English grammar note-taking.

In Academic and Exam Contexts

In exams, using structures like “used to” helps show grammatical variety and time awareness—important for scoring well in both writing and speaking.

By practicing with real-life examples, you will not only understand the grammar rule but also learn how to communicate more fluently and naturally.

• For more grammar foundations, read common nouns and proper nouns.

III. Practice with “Used to” – Exercises and Quizzes

Understanding the grammar rule is only the first step—practicing actively is what helps you truly remember and use “used to” naturally. Below are guided exercises and quick quizzes for learners to review sentence structure, recognize usage patterns, and avoid common mistakes.

Exercise 1. Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise

Complete the sentences with the correct form of “used to” or “didn't use to.” Use the base form of the verb.

Example:

1. I __________ (eat) a lot of fast food, but now I cook at home.

2. She __________ (live) in Canada before moving to Japan.

3. We __________ (not/play) outside so much during winter.

4. __________ you __________ (watch) cartoons every weekend?

5. They __________ (have) an old piano in their house.

Exercise 2. Rewrite the Sentences

Rewrite each sentence using the structure “used to.”

Example:

• Before: She walked to school every day.

• After: She used to walk to school every day.

1. He lived in a big house when he was a child.

2. They went to the same coffee shop every morning.

3. I didn’t like spicy food back then.

4. Did she live near the train station?

Exercise 3. Choose the Correct Option

Select the correct form of "used to" that fits the sentence.

1. We _________ go hiking every summer when we were kids.
   a) use to
   b) used to
   c) using to
   d) used

2. _________ you use to play football with them?
   a) Did
   b) Do
   c) Does
   d) Do you

3. I _________ use to like reading, but now I love it.
   a) didn’t
   b) wasn’t
   c) don’t
   d) not

Answer

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Understanding “used to” in English is more than learning a grammar rule — it’s about expressing how your past shaped who you are today. So start with one memory, say it in English, make it real, and keep going. Practice it, apply it, and let each sentence move you closer to fluency.