Complete Grammar Syllabus (145 Units)

Grammar Mastery

Comprehensive reference, real-world IELTS band-boosting tips, clear structural formulas, and interactive short quizzes for intermediate to advanced English learners.

Used to (do)

Expressing past habits, repeated actions, or states that were true in the past but are no longer true today.

Core Structure & Formula

Positive: Subject + used to + Infinitive (I used to cycle to school every day)

Negative: Subject + didn't use to + Infinitive (I didn't use to enjoy reading)

Question: Did + Subject + use to + Infinitive? (Did you use to live abroad?)

APast habits vs Present Reality

'Used to do' has no present tense equivalent. For present habits, use the simple present (I do / usually).

•Hana used to travel abroad frequently, but she doesn't go away much these days.

•This building is now a language school. It used to be a printing factory.

•I used to think statistics was boring, but now I realise it's essential for my research.

BCrucial Distinction: "used to do" vs "be/get used to doing"

'used to do' = past habit. 'be/get used to doing' = accustomed to something (preposition + -ing).

•I used to commute by train. (= I commuted by train in the past, but not anymore)

•I am used to commuting by train. (= It is familiar and normal for me; not difficult)

IELTS Band 7–9 Exam Impact

Perfect for IELTS Speaking Part 1 and Part 2 when comparing your past childhood lifestyle with current adult habits.

Common Candidate Errors

✗ I use to jog every weekend now.

✓ I usually jog every weekend now.

'Use to' does not exist for present habits. Use 'usually' + present simple.

✗ I am used to work night shifts.

✓ I am used to working night shifts.

'Be used to' takes a gerund (-ing) because 'to' is a preposition.

Unit 18 Interactive Short Quiz

Test your understanding with 3 verified practice exercises.

Question 1 of 3

Leila ______ very short hair when she was at school.

Question 2 of 3

What subjects ______ you use to study when you were younger?

Question 3 of 3

I ______ to enjoy public speaking, but I do now.