What are three things you used to do (or didn’t use to do) in high school that you do not do today? Explain the changes.

Maria used to stay up late every night and watch movies on her phone instead of studying English. She used to say, “One more episode,” but one more episode always turned into five.

She also used to translate everything into her language first. She used to spend twenty minutes on one sentence in class because she wanted the “perfect” word. By the time she finished, class was over.

Maria used to sit in the back of the classroom, and she would hide behind her notebook so the teacher didn’t ask her questions. If the teacher looked at her, she would suddenly drop her pen on the floor—perfect camouflage.

She even used to think grammar books were pillows and used to get some sleep in class.

But things are different now. She doesn’t stay up late, and she studies in the morning. What’s more, she doesn’t translate everything, but she listens and practices more. She doesn’t hide in the back, and now she sits in the front and even raises her hand.

So yes, Maria used to be shy, tired, and confused, but now, she is brave, awake, and ready for new challenges.

We use “used to” + base verb to talk about actions or situations that were true in the past but are no longer true now. It shows past habits or repeated actions and situations that have changed.

Structure:

• Subject + used to + base verb
  ➤ Example: “I used to live in Canada.”

Examples:

• “I used to play basketball every weekend.”
• “She used to live with her parents.”
• “We used to go to the beach every summer.”
• “He used to smoke, but he quit last year.”

“Used to” vs. “Did … use(d) to”

In everyday English, many native speakers say and even write “Did you used to…?” because it sounds natural in speech. Both forms are widely understood, but for writing and tests, it’s safer to stick with “Did … use to.“

• Affirmative (no did):
  • “I used to play soccer.”
    ➤ This shows a past habit that is no longer true.
• Negative (with didn‘t):
  • “I didn’t use to like vegetables.”
    ➤ Notice it’s use, not used, because “didn’t” already shows the past.
• Questions (with did):
  • “Did you use to live in New York?”
  • “What did your mornings use to look like before school or work?”
    ➤ Again, it’s use, not used, in the strict grammar rule.

• ✅ Affirmative: “I used to work at night.”
• ❌ Incorrect: “I use to work at night.”
• ✅ Negative: “I didn’t use to like coffee.”
• ✅ Question: “Did you use to eat meat?”

Understanding “used to” helps you describe personal history, changes over time, and compare past and present situations. It also helps clarify how things have changed for you or someone else.

Talking about the past is a key part of real conversations. “Used to” helps you explain what your life was like before—your habits, routines, and lifestyle. It’s common in casual conversations, stories, and when getting to know someone.

Common Speaking Situations:
Use “used to” when talking about things that have changed:

• Talking about childhood:
  
  • “I used to climb trees every day.”
• Describing life in another place:
  
  • “We used to live in Mexico.”
• Comparing past and present:
  
  • “I used to eat a lot of fast food, but now I cook more.”
• Discussing personal change:
  
  • “He didn’t use to like dogs, but now he has two!”

Everyday Conversation Samples:

• “Did you use to play guitar?”
• “No, I didn’t use to like music much.”
• “I used to be shy, but I’m more confident now.”
• “We used to go hiking every summer.”

Understanding this pattern helps you share your story naturally, recognize changes in others’ experiences, and respond more fluently in conversations. It’s a small phrase with big power in everyday English.

Now, practice your language skills with this interactive game.

We use “used to + base verb” to talk about things that were true in the past but not now. Use this pattern to talk about childhood, old routines, and how your life has changed. Listen to your classmates’ stories and ask follow-up questions like “Why did that change?” or “Do you miss it?”

1. Childhood Memories:
   
   • What did you use to do when you were a child?
     ➤ For example: “I used to climb trees. I used to drink chocolate milk.”
2. Old Routines:
   
   • What did your mornings used to look like before school or work?
     ➤ For example: “I used to sleep late. I used to miss the bus.”
3. Things You Didn’t Like Before:
   
   • What didn’t you use to like, but you like now?
     ➤ For example: “I didn’t use to eat vegetables. Now I like spinach!”
4. Living or Working Changes:
   
   • Where did you use to live or work?
     ➤ For example: “I used to live in New York, and while I was there, I used to work nights at a restaurant.”
5. Health or Lifestyle Changes:
   
   • What healthy or unhealthy habits did you use to have?
     ➤ For example: “I used to eat junk food, but now I cook at home.”