The 3 Uses of 'Used To'
Let’s look at 3 ways we can use ‘used to’ in English. We’ll look at the different grammar and way we structure these terms while answering fun and interesting questions on these topics.
I encourage you to answer these questions either in your personal studies or by leaving a comment below.
Used To (Meaning 1)
Refers to actions or situations that were true in the past but not anymore.
Structure: Used to + base verb (eg. do, eat…)
- What’s something you used to believe strongly but have since changed your mind about?
- Do you think people are happier now or in the past when they used to live without modern technology?
- Is there a place you used to visit regularly but no longer do? Why did you stop going?
Used To (Meaning 2)
Refers to becoming accustomed to or familiar with something over time.
Structure: Used to + gerund / noun
- What’s something that was difficult to get used to, but now you can’t imagine living without it?
- How do you help yourself get used to new challenges or uncomfortable situations? Do you have any strategies?
- Is there a skill or activity you’ve got used to, but you still don’t enjoy?
Used To (Meaning 3)
This is the original use of the verb ‘use’ in the passive form. It can talk about the purpose of something and why it is used.
Structure: Used to + verb / Used for + noun
- What’s a common tool or object that is now being used for something entirely new because of innovation?
- What’s something that should be used more in today’s world to improve people’s lives?
- How do you feel about data being used to make decisions about your behavior or habits?
Share some of your answers in the comments!
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Thanks again for this episode. It is a useful one.
1. I used to get mixed up when using too many resources for studying English.
2. It is such a great improvement to get used to drinking coffee without sugar.
3. The candles used to be used for lighting. Nowadays, they are used to make the room smell good.
Really glad you found it useful! Your sentences are all perfect too – a great example of ‘use’ in different ways
Hello Michael and greetings from the Czech Republic.
I love a content of your podcast they are very interesting and very often also helpful! Your accent is really amazing, so clear to understand so thank you what you do and please keep doing your podcasts.🙏
I decided to leave a comment here for the first time 🙂 So my answer on a question what is something I used to believe strongly is quite funny. I used to believe in small Jesus when I was a child because every child believe here in Czechia that small Jesus brings you a presents on a Christmas Eve and when I realized that it’s not true and the presents bring me my parents I was very angry to them and really disappointed too. But I’m happy now when I’m older that we keep this tradition and we actually “lie” to a children because before the children will stop to believe in small Jesus it is such a magic time😊
Lenka
Hi Lenka! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment. Glad you find the episodes helpful 🙂
I remember hearing about small Jesus from a Czech student before and found it so funny and cute – I guess because it’s just quite different from our stories in the UK. It’s interesting that your story is more religious than ours, despite also being a Christian country. Anyway, thanks for sharing! That’s a great example