🇬🇧 Learn English · B1 Grammar

🕰️ Talking About the Past with Used To

Learn how to talk about things you did regularly in the past but do not do now. Practice using this grammar to share your childhood stories.

What is 'used to'?

We use 'used to' to talk about past habits or things that were true in the past, but have now changed. For example, if you ate chocolate every day as a child, but you never eat it now, you can say 'I used to eat chocolate.' It helps us describe life differences between then and now in a very simple way.

I used to live in a small town.I lived in a small town in the past, but I live somewhere else now.

She used to have long hair.In the past, her hair was long. Now her hair is short.

Making negative sentences

When we want to say that something was not true in the past, we use 'didn't use to'. Notice that 'used' becomes 'use' because of the helper word 'did'. This is a common mistake, so remember: 'didn't use to', not 'didn't used to'. It is great for talking about things you never did as a kid.

I didn't use to like vegetables.In the past, I disliked vegetables.

He didn't use to play video games.In the past, playing video games was not his habit.

Asking questions

To ask about someone's past habits, we start the question with 'Did' and use 'use to'. For example, 'Did you use to play outside?' This is a fun way to start conversations with friends about what life was like when you were both much younger.

Did you use to have a bicycle?Was it your habit to own a bicycle in the past?

Where did you use to work?What was your regular workplace in the past?

📝 Key words

used topast habits now finished

habitregular routine

childhoodwhen you were young

changebecome different

didn't use topast negative habit

pastbefore now

nowat the present time

💡 Think about one thing you did every day ten years ago but never do today. Say it out loud using 'I used to...'.

✅ Practice quiz

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