Meaning
「I used to」は、過去の習慣や状態を表現する際に使われる英語のフレーズです。この表現は、以前はそうであったが、現在はそうではないことを示します。たとえば、「I used to play the piano.(私は以前ピアノを弾いていました)」という文では、過去にはピアノを弾いていたが、今は弾いていないという意味になります。
「I used to」は、過去の行動や状態が現在とは異なることを強調したいときに便利です。日常会話では、過去の習慣を思い出したり、昔の自分と現在の自分を比較する際によく使われます。例えば、「I used to live in Tokyo.(以前は東京に住んでいました)」のように使うことで、過去の住居地を説明できます。
使い方のポイント:
この表現を使うことで、過去の経験や状態を具体的に伝えることができ、英語でのコミュニケーションの幅が広がります。
Today's Sentences
- I used to live in New York.
- I used to develop websites.
- I used to play in an indie band.
- I used to smoke a pack a day.
- I used to teach digital music composition.
- Writer's Note
01
I used to live in New York.
Situation 1
So tell me about yourself.
Well, I used to live in New York.
That’s amazing.
Did you enjoy living there?
そこに住むのは楽しかったですか?
The culture was my favorite part of living in NYC.
Situation 2
How do you know so much about green spaces?
I used to live in New York and they have some of the most creative green spaces.
I’d love to hear about any ideas you have.
Sure. I’ll present some ideas during the meeting.
02
I used to develop websites.
Situation 1
Wow, this website is well designed.
Great job!
素晴らしい仕事です!
I used to develop websites.
It shows.
Your design is very simple but fresh and I love the clear calls to action.
あなたのデザインはとてもシンプルですが、新鮮です。明確な行動喚起が気に入っています。
Thanks!
Situation 2
I don’t know what else to do to promote my business online.
Have you thought about making a website?
Do you think that would help with marketing?
Websites are a powerful tool for marketing.
I used to develop websites, so I can help you.
私は以前、Websitesの開発をしていたので、お手伝いできます。
03
I used to play in an indie band.
Situation 1
Teach me that chord progression?
Sure.
How do you know how to play all these songs?
I used to play in an indie band.
Situation 2
I think we should take a break right before the chorus.
Great idea.
How did you know that would sound good?
どうしてそれが良く聞こえると分かったのですか?
I used to play in an indie band.
Thanks for your input.
04
I used to smoke a pack a day.
Situation 1
I wish I could quit smoking.
I feel your pain.
I used to smoke a pack a day.
私も以前は1日にタバコを1箱吸っていました。
Really?
But I’ve never seen you smoke.
でも、あなたが「smoke」するのを見たことがありません。
I quit last year but I still get cravings.
Situation 2
What’s the most you ever smoked?
I used to smoke a pack a day.
Really? I should really cut back.
Smoking is an oral fixation and a comfort.
05
I used to teach digital music composition.
Situation 1
What do you think of this melody?
Well, you could jazz it up and use a Dbmaj7 here.
Wow.
That one chord adds color to the melody.
その1つのコードがメロディに色を添えているね。
I used to teach digital music composition.
Situation 2
So what did you do before becoming a surfer?
I used to teach digital music composition.
You did? That’s cool.
I don’t miss the classroom at all though.
Writer's Note
"Used to" refers to actions and situations in the past which no longer happen or are no longer true. It always refers to the past.
- I'm used to traveling alone.
- She used to work long shift hours.
- He used to live in London.
- They used to play in a rock band.
- We used to sing in an a cappella group.
The negative of "used to" is most commonly "didn’t use to". You may see "didn't used to" but we don't recommend it in the negative.
- He didn't use to be so cranky.
- I didn't use to enjoy vegetables when I was younger.
- It didn't use to be so crowded at the markets.
Leave us a comment if you need to practice, or just to say hi!