Used to / Didn’t use to — Past Habits and States
We use used to + base verb for things that were true in the past but are not true now. It can be a past habit (something you did again and again) or a past state (a situation).
Structure
- Positive: Subject + used to + base verb. Example: I used to play football every weekend. (I don't play now.)
- Negative: Subject + didn't use to + base verb. Example: I didn't use to like coffee. (Now I like it.)
- Question: Did + subject + use to + base verb? Example: Did you use to have long hair?
- Short answers: Yes, I did. / No, I didn't.
Note: after did or didn't, we write use, not used.
How the Grammar Works
- For a past habit, use used to + base verb. Example: I used to go swimming every day.
- For a past state, use used to + base verb too. Example: We used to live in a small village.
- For the negative and the question, use did or didn't and then use to. Example: She didn't use to eat fish. Did she use to eat fish?
Common Use Cases
- Past habits that have stopped: He used to walk to the gym every day.
- Past states that have changed: She used to live in Italy.
- Asking about someone's past: Did they use to travel a lot?
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Wrong: I didn't used to like it. Right: I didn't use to like it. After did or didn't, the verb is in the base form.
- Wrong: I use to play football. Right: I used to play football. In a positive sentence, the form is used.
- Wrong: I used to go to the cinema yesterday. Right: I went to the cinema yesterday. One action at one time needs the Past Simple.
- Wrong: I used to get up at 7 now. Right: I usually get up at 7 now. Used to is only for the past.
- Wrong: I used to getting up early. Right: I used to get up early. Be careful: be used to + -ing is a different structure. It means you know something well. Example: I'm used to getting up early. (It is normal for me now.)
Comparison with Related Grammar
The Past Simple can also talk about past actions, habits or states. Example: I played football every weekend. But used to shows a difference between then and now. Example: I used to walk to work. Yesterday I took a taxi. The first sentence is an old habit. The second sentence is one action at one time, so we use the Past Simple.
Used to and usually both talk about habits, but the time is different:
- usually + Present Simple: what you do most of the time now. Example: I usually take the bus.
- used to + base verb: an old habit that has stopped. Example: I used to take the bus. (Now I don't.)
Example Sentences
- I used to go to school by bus.
- She didn't use to like spicy food.
- Did you use to live near the beach?
- We used to have a cat, but it ran away.
- I used to read comics every evening.
When to Use This Rule
Use used to for past habits and states that are different now. Remember: after did and didn't, write use, and use the Past Simple for one action at one time.