Meaning
La expresión «I used to» se utiliza en inglés para hablar sobre acciones o hábitos que eran comunes en el pasado, pero que ya no lo son en el presente. Es una forma de expresar nostalgia o simplemente de informar sobre algo que solíamos hacer. Por ejemplo, si alguien dice «I used to play soccer every weekend», significa que en el pasado jugaba al fútbol todos los fines de semana, pero ya no lo hace ahora.
En español, «I used to» puede traducirse como «solía» o «acostumbraba a», dependiendo del contexto. Este tipo de frases se usan para dar contexto histórico a nuestras acciones o rutinas pasadas. Por ejemplo, «Solía ir al gimnasio todas las mañanas» es una forma de indicar que esa era una práctica habitual que ya no continúa.
Es importante recordar que «I used to» se utiliza exclusivamente para hablar de situaciones pasadas. No se puede emplear para acciones futuras o presentes. Además, es una herramienta útil para enriquecer nuestras conversaciones y dar más profundidad a la descripción de nuestras experiencias pasadas.
En resumen, el uso de «I used to» nos permite compartir de manera efectiva cómo han cambiado nuestras vidas o hábitos a lo largo del tiempo.
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?
¿Disfrutaste vivir allí?
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!
¡Buen trabajo!
I used to develop websites.
It shows.
Your design is very simple but fresh and I love the clear calls to action.
Tu diseño es muy simple pero fresco, y me encantan las llamadas a la acción claras.
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.
Solía desarrollar sitios web, así que puedo ayudarte.
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?
¿Cómo sabías que eso sonaría bien?
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.
Solía fumar un paquete al día.
Really?
But I’ve never seen you smoke.
Pero nunca te he visto fumar.
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.
Ese acorde le añade color a la melodía.
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!
