Used To (Do) | Unit 18 | PrepMyEnglish

Unit 18 · Grammar Lesson

Unité 18 · Leçon de Grammaire

Used To (Do)
Past Habits & States — Complete Guide Used To (Do)
Habitudes & États Passés — Guide Complet

Master used to do for past habits and past states — including questions, negatives, and the key contrasts with was doing and am used to doing

Maîtrisez used to do pour les habitudes et états passés — avec les questions, les négations et les contrastes clés avec was doing et am used to doing

A2 – B1 5 Rules · 4 Exercises · 200-Q Quiz · PDF 5 Règles · 4 Exercices · Quiz 200 Q · PDF 🇬🇧 EN / 🇫🇷 FR

Used to do is a fixed past structure — it describes habits or states from the past that are no longer true. It can only be used for the past: there is no present equivalent. The key question is always: did this happen regularly in the past but not any more? If yes, used to is usually the right choice.

Used to do est une structure passée fixe — elle décrit des habitudes ou des états passés qui ne sont plus vrais. Elle ne peut être utilisée qu'au passé : il n'y a pas d'équivalent au présent. La question clé est toujours : est-ce que cela se produisait régulièrement dans le passé mais plus maintenant ? Si oui, used to est généralement le bon choix.

Meaning — Past Habits and Past States No Longer True

Sens — Habitudes et états passés qui ne sont plus vrais

I used to do something = I did it often or regularly in the past, but I don't do it any more. We also use used to for things that were true in the past but are not true any more.

I used to do something = je le faisais souvent ou régulièrement dans le passé, mais je ne le fais plus. On utilise aussi used to pour des choses qui étaient vraies dans le passé mais qui ne le sont plus.

used to + infinitive (past only — habit OR state that has changed)
I used to play / she used to live / there used to be

she used to travel

she doesn't travel (now)

I used to play tennis a lot, but I don't play very much now.

→ I played tennis regularly in the past — but not any more.

→ Je jouais au tennis régulièrement dans le passé — mais plus maintenant.

David used to spend a lot of money on clothes. These days he can't afford it.

→ Past habit, now changed.

→ Habitude passée, maintenant changée.

This building used to be a cinema. Now it's a furniture shop.

→ Past state (what it was) — no longer true.

→ État passé (ce que c'était) — plus vrai aujourd'hui.

I've started drinking coffee recently. I never used to like it before.

→ Past state (disliking coffee) — the opposite is now true.

→ État passé (ne pas aimer le café) — le contraire est maintenant vrai.

'Do you go to the cinema much?' 'Not now, but I used to.' (= I used to go)

→ Used to can stand alone when the verb is clear from context.

→ Used to peut être utilisé seul quand le verbe est clair d'après le contexte.

No Present Form — You Cannot Say "I Use To Do"

Pas de Présent — On ne peut pas dire "I Use To Do"

Used to is past only. There is no present equivalent. To talk about the present, use the present simple.

Used to est uniquement passé. Il n'y a pas d'équivalent au présent. Pour parler du présent, utilisez le présent simple.

Time	Form	Example
Temps	Forme	Exemple
Past	he used to* play*	He used to play football every Saturday.
Past	we used to* live*	We used to live in a small village.
Past	there used to* be*	There used to be four cinemas here.
Present	he plays	He plays football every Saturday now.
Present	we live	Now we live in a city.
Present	there is	Now there is only one cinema.

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Never say "I use to do" or "I am used to do". Ne dites jamais "I use to do" ou "I am used to do". The only correct form is I used to do. In questions and negatives, the base form use to appears: Did you use to … ? / I didn't use to … La seule forme correcte est I used to do. Dans les questions et négations, la base use to apparaît : Did you use to … ? / I didn't use to …

Questions and Negatives — did (you) use to … ?

Questions et Négations — did (you) use to … ?

Because used to is a past structure, its questions and negatives are formed with did/didn't — and the base form use to (without -d) follows.

Comme used to est une structure passée, ses questions et négations se forment avec did/didn't — et la base use to (sans -d) suit.

Question: Did you use to eat a lot of sweets when you were a child?
Negative: I didn't use to like him. (or: I used not to like him.)

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Use to (no -d) after did/didn't: Use to (sans -d) après did/didn't : Did you use to live here? ✓ · I didn't use to like it. ✓ · NOT Did you used to or I didn't used to. Did you use to live here? ✓ · I didn't use to like it. ✓ · PAS Did you used to ou I didn't used to.

Used To Do vs Was Doing — An Important Contrast

Used To Do vs Was Doing — Un Contraste Important

I used to watch TV = I watched TV often/regularly in the past (but I don't now). Focus: repeated past habit.

I used to watch TV = je regardais la TV souvent/régulièrement dans le passé (mais plus maintenant). Focus : habitude passée répétée.

I was watching TV = I was in the middle of watching TV at a specific moment. Focus: action in progress at a past moment.

I was watching TV = j'étais en train de regarder la TV à un moment précis. Focus : action en cours à un moment passé.

used to — repeated past habit

used to — habitude passée répétée

often / regularly — no longer true

souvent / régulièrement — plus vrai

I used to watch TV a lot.

She used to go running every day.

He used to smoke, but he stopped.

was/were -ing — in progress at a moment

was/were -ing — en cours à un moment

in the middle of — at a specific past time

en plein milieu de — à un moment passé précis

I was watching TV when Rob called.

She was running when it started to rain.

He was smoking outside when I arrived.

Used To Do vs Am Used To Doing — Do Not Confuse These

Used To Do vs Am Used To Doing — Ne pas confondre

These two structures look similar but have completely different meanings and different grammar.

Ces deux structures se ressemblent mais ont des significations et grammaires totalement différentes.

used to do (+ infinitive)

used to do (+ infinitif)

PAST ONLY — did it before, don't do it now

PASSÉ UNIQUEMENT — le faisais avant, plus maintenant

I used to live alone. (= I lived alone in the past, but I no longer do)

She used to work nights.

am used to doing (+ -ing)

PRESENT — familiar with it, not a problem

PRÉSENT — familier avec cela, pas un problème

I am used to living alone. (= I live alone and it's not a problem — I'm familiar with it)

She is used to working nights.

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Grammar difference: Différence grammaticale : used to is followed by the bare infinitive (used to live, used to work). am/is/are used to is followed by the -ing form (used to living, used to working). Mixing these up is a very common error. used to est suivi de l'infinitif (used to live, used to work). am/is/are used to est suivi de la forme en -ing (used to living, used to working). Confondre les deux est une erreur très courante.

EX 1

Exercise 1 — Complete with used to + a suitable verb

Exercice 1 — Complétez avec used to + un verbe approprié

Use used to + the correct verb to complete each sentence.

Utilisez used to + le verbe correct pour compléter chaque phrase.

Nicola a lot, but she doesn't go away much these days.Nicola a lot, but she doesn't go away much these days.

Sophie a motorbike, but last year she sold it and bought a car.Sophie a motorbike, but last year she sold it and bought a car.

Our friends moved to Spain a few years ago. They in Paris.Nos amis ont déménagé en Espagne. They in Paris.

Jackie my best friend, but we aren't friends any more.Jackie my best friend, but we aren't friends any more.

I rarely eat ice cream now, but I it when I was a child.Je mange rarement de la glace maintenant, but I it when I was a child.

Getting to work is quick now. It more than an hour.Aller au travail est rapide maintenant. It more than an hour.

There a hotel near the airport, but it closed a long time ago.There a hotel near the airport, but it closed a long time ago.

I in a factory. It wasn't my favourite job.I in a factory. It wasn't my favourite job.

Answers:Réponses : 1. used to travel · 2. used to have / used to ride · 3. used to live · 4. used to be · 5. used to love · 6. used to take · 7. used to be · 8. used to work

EX 2

Exercise 2 — Write the correct form: used to, didn't use to, did … use to, or never used to

Exercice 2 — Écrivez la bonne forme : used to, didn't use to, did … use to, never used to

Choose the correct form from the options given in the sentence.

Choisissez la forme correcte parmi celles données dans la phrase.

We TV a lot, but we don't have a TV any more.We TV a lot, but we don't have a TV any more.

Lisa works in a shop now. She a receptionist in a hotel.Lisa works in a shop now. She a receptionist in a hotel.

What games play when you were a child?What games play when you were a child ?

I big cities, but now I prefer the countryside.I big cities, but now I prefer the countryside.

In your last job, how many hours a day work?Dans votre dernier emploi, how many hours a day work ?

I don't travel very much these days, but I (= used to travel).Je ne voyage plus beaucoup, but I (= used to travel).

I to run ten kilometres, but I can't run that far now.I to run ten kilometres, but I can't run that far now.

These days I eat more than before. I as much.Ces jours-ci je mange plus qu'avant. I as much.

Answers:Réponses : 1. used to watch · 2. used to be · 3. did you use to · 4. didn't use to like · 5. did you use to · 6. used to · 7. used to be able · 8. didn't use to eat

EX 3

Exercise 3 — used to or was/were doing? Write the correct form

Exercice 3 — used to ou was/were doing ? Écrivez la bonne forme

Decide whether used to or the past continuous is needed.

Décidez si used to ou le passé continu est nécessaire.

I TV a lot as a teenager, but I don't watch it much now.I TV a lot as a teenager, but I don't watch it much now.

I TV when Rob called.I TV when Rob called.

She to the gym every day, but she stopped after her injury.She to the gym every day, but she stopped after her injury.

She to the gym when she slipped on the pavement.She to the gym when she slipped on the pavement.

He football every weekend as a young man.He football every weekend as a young man.

They football when it started to rain heavily.They football when it started to rain heavily.

The town very quiet, but it's very busy now.The town very quiet, but it's very busy now.

The town busier every year at that time.The town busier every year at that time.

Answers:Réponses : 1. used to watch · 2. was watching · 3. used to go · 4. was going · 5. used to play · 6. were playing · 7. used to be · 8. was getting

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Exercise 4 — Spot the error: correct where necessary

Exercice 4 — Trouvez l'erreur : corrigez si nécessaire

Write OK if correct, or write the correct form.

Écrivez OK si c'est correct, sinon écrivez la forme correcte.

I used to go to school by bike. → I used to go to school by bike. →

I use to play golf, but I gave it up. → I use to play golf, but I gave it up. →

Did you used to live here? → Did you used to live here? →

She didn't used to like spicy food. → She didn't used to like spicy food. →

I am used to living alone. (= It's not a problem for me.) → I am used to living alone. (= Ce n'est pas un problème pour moi.) →

I am used to live alone. (intended meaning: I lived alone in the past) → I am used to live alone. (sens voulu : je vivais seul dans le passé) →

There used to be a cinema here. Now there is a supermarket. → There used to be a cinema here. Now there is a supermarket. →

I used to work very hard, but these days I use to relax more. → correct the second part: I used to work very hard, but these days I use to relax more. → corrigez la deuxième partie :

Answers:Réponses : 1. OK · 2. used to play · 3. Did you use to live · 4. didn't use to like · 5. OK · 6. I used to live alone · 7. OK · 8. these days I relax more

Frequently Asked Questions — Used To

Questions fréquentes — Used To

What does "used to" mean and when do I use it?Que signifie "used to" et quand l'utilise-t-on ?

Used to do describes something you did regularly or repeatedly in the past but don't do any more, OR something that was true in the past but is no longer true. Key test: did this happen often before, but not now? → use used to. Examples: I used to play tennis (past habit), She used to have long hair (past state).

Used to do décrit quelque chose que vous faisiez régulièrement dans le passé mais ne faites plus, OU quelque chose qui était vrai dans le passé mais ne l'est plus.

Is there a present form of "used to"?Y a-t-il un présent de "used to" ?

No. Used to is past only. You cannot say I use to do. For the present, use the present simple: I used to live in Paris (past) → I live in London now (present). The form use to (without -d) only appears after did/didn't in questions and negatives.

Non. Used to est uniquement passé. On ne peut pas dire I use to do. Pour le présent, utilisez le présent simple. La forme use to (sans -d) n'apparaît qu'après did/didn't.

How do I form questions and negatives?Comment former les questions et les négations ?

Question: Did you use to …? (note: use to, not used to after did). Negative: I didn't use to … OR I used not to … (formal). Common error: Did you used to …? or I didn't used to … — both WRONG.

Question : Did you use to …? (note : use to, pas used to après did). Négation : I didn't use to … OU I used not to … (formel).

What is the difference between "I used to do" and "I was doing"?Quelle différence entre "I used to do" et "I was doing" ?

I used to watch TV a lot = I watched TV often/regularly in the past (repeated habit, not done any more). I was watching TV when Rob called = I was in the middle of watching TV at a specific past moment (interrupted action). Used to = repeated; was doing = in progress at a moment.

I used to watch TV a lot = je regardais la TV souvent dans le passé (habitude répétée, plus maintenant). I was watching TV when Rob called = j'étais en train de regarder la TV à un moment précis.

What is the difference between "I used to do" and "I am used to doing"?Quelle différence entre "I used to do" et "I am used to doing" ?

I used to live alone (+ infinitive) = I lived alone in the past, but I no longer do. This is a past structure only. I am used to living alone (+ -ing) = living alone is not a problem for me because I'm familiar with it. This is a present state of familiarity. The grammar is also different: used to + infinitive vs. be used to + -ing.

I used to live alone (+ infinitif) = je vivais seul dans le passé, structure passée. I am used to living alone (+ -ing) = vivre seul n'est pas un problème pour moi, état présent de familiarité.

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All topics Meaning & Form Questions & Negatives Used To vs Past Continuous Used To vs Be Used To Spot the Error Mixed

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out ofsur 20 questionsquestions

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Used To (Do)Past Habits & States — Complete Guide Used To (Do)Habitudes & États Passés — Guide Complet

Meaning — Past Habits and Past States No Longer True

Sens — Habitudes et états passés qui ne sont plus vrais

No Present Form — You Cannot Say "I Use To Do"

Pas de Présent — On ne peut pas dire "I Use To Do"

Questions and Negatives — did (you) use to … ?

Questions et Négations — did (you) use to … ?

Used To Do vs Was Doing — An Important Contrast

Used To Do vs Was Doing — Un Contraste Important

used to — repeated past habit

used to — habitude passée répétée

was/were -ing — in progress at a moment

was/were -ing — en cours à un moment

Used To Do vs Am Used To Doing — Do Not Confuse These

Used To Do vs Am Used To Doing — Ne pas confondre

used to do (+ infinitive)

used to do (+ infinitif)

am used to doing (+ -ing)

am used to doing (+ -ing)

Used To — Exercises with AnswersUsed To — Exercices avec Corrigé

Exercise 1 — Complete with used to + a suitable verb

Exercice 1 — Complétez avec used to + un verbe approprié

Exercise 2 — Write the correct form: used to, didn't use to, did … use to, or never used to

Exercice 2 — Écrivez la bonne forme : used to, didn't use to, did … use to, never used to

Exercise 3 — used to or was/were doing? Write the correct form

Exercice 3 — used to ou was/were doing ? Écrivez la bonne forme

Exercise 4 — Spot the error: correct where necessary

Exercice 4 — Trouvez l'erreur : corrigez si nécessaire

Frequently Asked Questions — Used To

Questions fréquentes — Used To

Used To — Quiz

Used To — Quiz

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Used To (Do)
Past Habits & States — Complete Guide Used To (Do)
Habitudes & États Passés — Guide Complet