Explanation
Exercises

🕰️ Used to & didn’t use to — Past habits and states

Talk about things that were true or happened repeatedly in the past but are not true now.
used to + base verb = past habit/state (no longer true) didn’t use to / Did … use to? would + base verb = past habit (not states) be/get used to + noun/V-ing = be/become accustomed (present/past/future)
✅Meaning
PAST HABITS
  • We used to go dancing every weekend.
  • I used to play chess every day, but now I don’t.
PAST STATES
  • She used to be very shy.
  • I used to like her music; now I don’t.
Pronunciation
  • used to is pronounced /ˈjuːst tə/ (“yoost tə”).
🧱Forms
AFFIRMATIVE
  • I/You/He/She/We/They used to live here.
NEGATIVE
  • I/You/He… didn’t use to travel much. also: never used to
QUESTION
  • Did you use to live here? — Yes, I did. / No, I didn’t.
📝
Spelling: In negatives/questions use use, not used (because did carries the past): didn’t use to, Did you use to…?
🔄Don’t confuse these!

used to vs past simple

  • Habit: I used to meet her on Fridays. (= regularly in the past)
  • Single event / mentioned time: I met her last Friday. (NOT *used to)
Present habits → use usually/often + present simple: I usually get up early.

used to do vs would do

  • Both for past habits: When we were kids, we would play outside every day.
  • would ❌ for past states: She would be shy → use used to be.
🧷be/get used to (accustomed to)
  • be used to + noun/V-ing: I’m used to getting up early. (= it’s normal for me now)
  • get used to + noun/V-ing: She’s getting used to driving on the left. (= becoming accustomed)
Key difference: used to + do (past habit/state). be/get used to + V-ing/noun (be or become accustomed at any time).
🚫Common mistakes
  • ❌ We use to eat pizza on Sundays. → ✅ We used to eat pizza on Sundays.
  • ❌ Did you used to…? → ✅ Did you use to…?
  • ❌ Present habit with used to: I used to go to the gym now. → ✅ I usually go to the gym now.
🧪Micro-drill (rewrite)
  1. When I was a child, I (play) outside every day. → I used to play…
  2. He (not/travel) much, but now he’s a pilot. → He didn’t use to travel…
  3. (you/live) near here when you were at school? → Did you use to live…?
  4. I’m OK with spicy food now. → I’m used to eating spicy food.
  5. It took me a month to feel OK with early mornings. → I got used to getting up early.
Recap: used to + do = past habit/state (not now). Negatives/questions with did(n’t) + use to. Compare with would (habits only) and be/get used to + V-ing (accustomed). ✅
Exercises:
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Used to, didn’t use to: Past habits and states

Choose the correct forms to complete the sentences below.
1
When I was a kid, I build model airplanes on weekends.
2
We take the bus everywhere because we didn’t have a car.
3
play video games late at night at university?
4
He be very shy, but now he gives public talks.
5
I like spicy food, but now I love it.
6
They live in a small village before they moved to the capital.
7
She watch cartoons; now she prefers documentaries.
8
He get up at 5 a.m., but he does now.
9
What sports play at school?
10
There be a cinema here, but it closed years ago.

Used to, didn’t use to: Past habits and states

Complete the sentences about life 50 years ago. Use the correct form of used to with the verb in brackets.
Tips: Affirmative: used to + V Negative: didn’t use to + V (also: didn’t used to) States too: used to be / didn’t use to be Not the same as be/get used to
1
Not many families (own) a car.
2
People (write) long letters by hand to keep in touch.
3
There (be) fewer advertisements on TV.
4
Many shops (close) at lunchtime on Sundays.
5
Teenagers (not spend) hours online.
6
People (walk) to work instead of driving.
7
Most workers (finish) at five o’clock every day.
8
Buses (run) less often at night.
9
My grandparents (not have) central heating.
10
Plane tickets (cost) a lot more.

Used to, didn’t use to: Past habits and states

Complete the text with used to, didn’t use to, did … to and the words in brackets.
Form tips: Affirmative: used to + V Negative: didn’t use to + V (also seen: didn’t used to) Question: Did + S + use to + V? States too: used to be / have ≠ be/get used to (different meaning)

Text

Dear Leo,

Thanks for asking about my childhood for your nostalgia blog. Life in our small town was very different from today.

1
I (be) extremely shy and spent hours writing in my diary.
2
I (wear) trainers at school — we had heavy leather shoes.
3
Our street (have) any traffic lights, just a zebra crossing.
4
After school my brother and I (play) football behind the library until sunset.
5
(you/get) pocket money each week, or did you earn it by helping at home?
6
Groceries (be) so expensive; Mum planned picnics every weekend.
7
My parents (go) dancing at the community hall on Fridays.
8
Grandad (make) kites for us every spring.
9
We (own) a television, so we watched big events at our neighbours’ house.
10
(your family/eat) dinner together every night?

That’s how things were back then. Hope this helps with your article!