Meaning
"I used to" + verb/ means something that was done in the past, and is not usually done now.
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?
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!
I used to develop websites.
It shows.
Your design is very simple but fresh and I love the clear calls to action.
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.
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?
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.
Really?
But I’ve never seen you smoke.
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.
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!
