Lesson Content
Grammar Focus
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
(E.g., I used to live in Canada.)
⚠️ Don’t confuse with be used to + noun/verb-ing, which means being familiar with something.
🔹 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.
📌 Only use this structure in the past. It doesn’t exist in the present form (“I use to” ❌).
✅ 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.
🗣️ Why This Grammar Matters for Listening and Speaking
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!”
🔹 Listening Tip
In fast, natural speech, “used to” often sounds like “yoosta.”
✅ Example: “I yoosta work downtown.”
Understanding this sound helps you follow native speakers more easily.
🔹 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.
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🎧🗣️ Listening & Speaking Practice Questions
Talk About Your Past Habits and Life Changes
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?”
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.”
Old Routines:
What did your mornings use to look like before school or work?
➤ For example: “I used to sleep late. I used to miss the bus.”
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!”
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.”
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.”