We can use “used to” to talk about a past habit or state.
An example for a state: “He used to live in London” (but he doesn’t now)
An example for a habit: “He used to go on holiday to Scotland every year” (but he doesn’t now)
“Used to” is the same for all subjects, and you follow it with the infinitive without “to”:
“I / You / He / She / We / They used to smoke.”
To make the negative, use “didn’t” + use + to + verb. (Remove the final /d/ ending from “used”.)
“I / He didn’t use to smoke.”
To make the question, use “did” as the auxiliary, and take the final /d/ ending off “used”:
“Did you / she use to smoke?”
To talk about past habits in English, you can also use would + infinitive without “to”:
“We would go to Scotland every year when I was a child.”
“We would travel there by car overnight.”
However, you cannot use “would” in this way to talk about past states. For this, you must use “used to”.
Be used to + doing
There’s a big difference between used to do – to talk about past habits or states and is used to doing – to talk about our familiarity with a place, or activity.
The form is subject + verb to be + used to + verb in the ing form / noun
“I am / was used to studying English every day.”
“I am used to his jokes.” (example with a noun)
“You are / were used to studying English every day.”
“He is / was used to studying English every day.”
You can change the verb “to be” with the verb “get” to talk about the process of becoming used to something (rather than the state of being used to something).
“If you live in England, you will get used to driving on the left!” (= it will no longer be a problem for you)
“He finally got used to the winter weather.”
Don’t make the mistake of combining both forms to make an ungrammatical sentence like “I am used to study.”
Remember: Either “I used to study” (past habit but no longer true) or
“I am used to studying” (I am familiar with studying).
If you have problems with the verb structures used to, be used to, get used to, I hope this video will be helpful. I have recorded a 14-minute grammar training for you to understand the difference between these structures and practise using it in your own speaking.
It is very important to remember that all the structures described in the video are used only for the repeated actions, but not one-time actions.
For one-time actions in the Past, use Past Simple construction. (e.g. I entered the university in 1997. – I entered it only once)
Here are some collocations with the word HABIT
What the structures with USED mean:
used to – to show the habit we had in the past and don’t have now
get used to – to show the process of developing a new habit
be used to – describing the state when we have some present habit – it means we do something on a regular basis and enjoy it.
In the video, you will also find an explanation on using ‘would’ and ‘will’ as alternatives to USED TO.
Patterns used with USED TO structures
Be careful about the verb form you use after ‘used to’ constructions.
USED TO + V1 (e.g. I used to smoke a lot.)
BUT
BE USED TO + Ving, and (e.g. I am used to eating vegetarian food.)
GET USED TO + Ving (e.g. I am getting used to riding a bicycle to work.)
Practice Exercises
The answers are in the video or have a look at the very end of the post.
Exercise 1: Are these sentences correct or not?
- I used to speak French every day.
- I am not used to eat so much for breakfast.
- He used to smoking.
- He is got used to flying after his first year as a journalist.
- She would like skiing as a child.
- We are getting used to sleeping with the windows open.
- She will going to the beach every day.
Exercise 2. Use the correct form of ‘used to’, ‘be used to’ or ‘get used to’.
- It was very hard to ___ eating so much rice when I moved to China.
- She ___ be quite slim, but she has put on so much weight in the last months.
- I am afraid I will never ___ driving on the left!
- I am slowly ____ reading from the screen. I ___ only read paper books in the past.
- Hasn’t he still ____ our southern lifestyle? It’s so easy!
- I don’t want to drink white coffee! I ____ drinking my coffee black!
Exercise 3. Write one or two sentences describing the situations below using ‘used t0’, ‘would’, ‘be used to’, ‘will’ or ‘get used to’.
Example
Situation: I live in a new country where people speak a language different from my mother tongue. How do I feel? Answer: I used to live in a different country. I am getting used to speaking a new language.
- I liked to drive a car before, but I don’t drive much now. I prefer the bicycle.
- I ate a lot of meat in the past. Now I only eat vegetables.
- We have dinner in the same restaurant every weekend. We like this restaurant very much.
- I was a top model before, but now I live in a small house in a village. I am retired, and I don’t work anymore.
Answers
Exercise 1
1) I used to speak French every day. correct
2) I am not used to eating so much for breakfast.
3) He is used to smoking. / He used to smoke.
4) He is got used to flying after his first year as a journalist.
5) She would used to like skiing as a child.
6) We are getting used to sleeping with the windows open. correct
7) She will going to the beach every day.
Exercise 2
- It was very hard to get used to eating so much rice when I moved to China.
- She used to be quite slim, but she has put on so much weight in the last months.
- I am afraid I will never get used to driving on the left!
- I am slowly getting used to reading from the screen. I used to only read paper books in the past.
- Hasn’t he still got/gotten used to our southern lifestyle? It’s so easy!
- I don’t want to drink white coffee! I am used to drinking my coffee black!
Exercise 3 Example answers
- I used to drive a lot. Now I am used to riding a bicycle.
- I didn’t use to be a vegetarian. I used to eat meat. I got used to eating vegetables instead of meat.
- We will go to the same restaurant every weekend. We are used to visiting the same restaurant every weekend.
- I used to be a top model. I used to have a lot of media attention. I have got used to a quieter life now.
Have you changed your habits in the course of your life? How is your life different from before? Write in the comments using the examples with USED TO!
Please share this post on social media if you find it useful.
More grammar lessons:
Learn English Irregular Verbs the Clever Way
How to Use Prepositions of Time
How to Easily Ask Questions with ‘Can I’
How to use So do I / Neither do I
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Used to is a form of the verb used in the past tense. It is often used to describe a habit or custom that was common in the past, but no longer exists. We have 50 example sentences with used to.
- I used to go camping every summer.
- He used to be so smart in school, but now he’s dumb.
- I used to have a dog when I was a kid, but I don’t have one anymore.
- I used to watch the news every day, but now I don’t have time for it anymore.
- He used to play football when he was younger.
- We used to eat dinner together every night when we were kids.
- He used to be a good student, but now he’s not so good at school.
- I used to walk to school.
- We used to live in a small town.
- She used to play the guitar.
- I used to drink coffee every day, but now I drink tea.
- He used to smoke cigarettes, but he quit smoking about two years ago.
- We used to have a dog named Spot when we were kids, but we gave him away when we moved out of our house.
- I used to go to the movies with my friends on Friday nights.
- I used to live in New York City, but now I live in Chicago.
- My parents used to give me a lot of money when I was young so that I could buy toys and games.
- When I was younger, I used to play video games every day after school, but now that I have a job, I only play them once or twice a week.
- I used to play basketball.
- I used to work as a waitress.
- I used to like sports, but now I hate them!
- I used to be in shape, but now I’m out of shape!
- I used to go to bed at 9 PM and wake up at 6 AM daily.
- I used to have a dog, but he died last year.
- I used to be on a swim team when I was younger, but now I don’t swim at all.
- She used to live in France when she was younger, but now she lives in the U.S.A.
- We used to live in the city, but now we live in the country.
- He used to be a doctor, but now he’s an artist.
- They used to play baseball together when they were kids.
- My sister used to be an artist, but now she’s a lawyer.
- I used to be shy, but I’m not anymore.
- I used to live in a small town.
- I used to help my mother with the housework.
- I used to take piano lessons when I was a child.
- I used to go fishing with my father when I was young.
- I used to swim every year during summer vacation at school or in the public pool near my house.
- I used to go to the gym three times a week.
- I used to play tennis when I was a kid, but I haven’t played in years.
- I used to hate going to the dentist, but I’ve gotten over it now that I have good insurance and can afford the best dental care money can buy!
- We used to go out together every weekend when we were younger.
- You used to be so cheerful and happy all the time!
- Tom used to go fishing with his dad.
- I used to love chocolate ice cream.
- My parents used to fight all the time, but now they don’t anymore.
- We used to take walks in the park when we were dating.
- I used to have a job, but now I’m retired.
- I used to get angry when someone broke my stuff, but now that doesn’t happen anymore because I have learned how to control my emotions better.
- I used to hate cold weather, but now that I live in Colorado, I love it!
- I used to love working here, but now it’s just a job.
- I used to run every day, but lately, I’ve been too busy with work.
- She used to be shy, but now she’s very outgoing and friendly.
- He used to have red hair, but now it’s gray and thinning on top.
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Modal verbs and constructs that express habitual actions. Habits: used to, will, would
Design used to + infinitive has the same shape in all faces and numbers.
Affirmative form Negative form Interrogation form
I | used to | playing tennis | I | did not use to | playing tennis | Did I | use to | playing tennis? |
hesheit | be very slim | hesheit | be very slim | Did hesheit | be very slim? | |||
weyouthey | read a lot | weyouthey | read a lot | Did weyouthey | read a lot? |
In negative form, it can also be used never used to instead didn’t use to.
Used to + infinitive
1. Repetitive, routine actions in the past and completed to date. It is translated by a verb in the past tense of the imperfect form — usually, it used to be in the habit.
Examples: I used to drive to work but now I take the bus. — I used to go to work by car, but now I go by bus.
My sister used to play basketball when she was younger. — My sister used to play basketball when she was younger.
2. Expression of actions or states that lasted a long period of time in the past (often with the verbs to be — to be, to know — to know, to live — to live, etc.). When it comes to actions or states characteristic of the present tense, the Present Simple form is used.
Examples: I used to live in London, but I moved in 2010. — I lived in London, but moved in 2010.
I didn’t use to classical music. — I’ve never liked classical music.
Using will and would
1. Will and would can be used to denote a stereotype of human behavior in certain situations. Will indicates the future tense, would — for the past time.
Examples: Tom is a very polite guy. He will always help me if I ask. — Tom is a very polite guy. He will always help if I ask.
My friends would come to us on Sundays. — My friends used to come to us on Sunday.
Using used to + infinitive or would
1. If habitual actions are performed in the past, it is used used to + infinitive or would.
Examples: When we were children, we used to/would play hide-and-seek. “When we were kids, we used to play hide and seek.
2. If the state in which the person or object was in the past is indicated, only used to + infinitive.
Examples: My sister used to be a hairdresser. — My sister was a hairdresser.
Source: http://englishstyle.net/grammar/verb/habits-used-to-will-would/
Modal verbs Can, Must, May — usage, examples, exercises
Modality is a very important grammatical category that determines the speaker’s attitude to action. We can trace the meaning of this by using the modal verbs may can must in sentences. You will see that these verbs perform the same function, but carry different meanings.
With this verb, the speaker communicates his own skill or ability to do something, and also expresses an opinion about the abilities of other people as an outside observer.
Jane can speak Chinese well. Jane can speak Chinese well.
In the past tense, the verb can takes the form could.
I could read comics when I was four years old. I could read comics when I was four years old.
Also, this form is used in polite questions:
Could you show me the way to the river, please? Could you show me the way to the river?
You can often find this word in the subjunctive mood.
If Jane were (was) rich, she could visit the most expensive beauty salons. If Jane was rich, she could visit the most expensive beauty salons.
In the future tense, the verb can is not used, but you can get out of the situation by using the construction to be able to:
I will be able to send you some candies. I will have the opportunity to send you some sweets.
Such a replacement can be carried out at all times, but there will be little semantic difference (to be able to do something).
Modal verb must
This is the strictest modal must verb, with the help of which the speaker indicates that an action must be performed without fail.
Shannon must get visa to visit her friends in Russia. To visit friends in Russia, Shannon needs a visa.
The modal verb must is used exclusively in the present tense, and therefore, in order to compose a sentence in the past and future tense, you need to find a replacement for it. The most commonly used modal verb (especially in American English) is have to.
Shannon will have to get visa. Shannon will need a visa.
Shannon had to get visa. Shannon needed a visa.
As a substitute for the verb must in all tenses, the expression to be obliged to can also be used:
If you choose a doctor’s career, you will be obliged to be loyal to the Hippocratic Oath. If you choose the profession of a doctor, you will have to keep the Hippocratic Oath.
Modal verb may
When a speaker announces the likelihood of an event or asks permission to do something, he uses the modal verb may:
It may rain on Thursday. Rain is possible on Thursday.
Mom, may I take another portion of ice cream? Mom, can I get another ice cream?
The verb may take the past tense form might:
Mom said that I might eat one more portion of ice cream. Mom said I could have another ice cream.
In modern English, might can also be used in the present tense. Moreover, using this verb, when someone talks about the likelihood of an event, he expresses a fairly large degree of uncertainty about it.
It might get a bit warmer tomorrow. Tomorrow may or may not be warmer.
Perfect Infinitive
All of the above verbs can be used with other types of infinitives, of which there are six in English. The most commonly used of these is the perfect infinitive. Pay attention to the peculiarities of the translation of such constructions.
John could have chosen a better suite. John could have chosen a better suit.
Mike must have repaired his bike. Mike must have repaired his motorcycle.
You might have helped your sister to do her homework. You could also help your sister do her homework.
May can must modal verb exercises
When performing exercises for these verbs, you must remember the following rules:
- In most cases, the modal verb is followed by an infinitive (except for short answers: Yes, I must.No, I couldn’t, etc.)
- All these verbs in interrogative sentences and in phrases with negation perform the function of auxiliary verbs: Must I get visa? I couldn’t play the violin.
- Replacing one modal verb with another radically changes the meaning of the statement.
To begin with, we suggest inserting suitable modal verbs into sentences with gaps:
You immediately stop, when the traffic light is red. You stop immediately when there is a red light at the traffic light.
The weather be dangerous for boating. The weather can be dangerous for boating.
Source: https://lim-english.com/pravila-anglijskogo-yazyka/modalnie-glagoli-can-must-may/
USED TO turnover in English
In English, especially in colloquial speech, the phrase is often used used to… You can hear him in a conversation, in a movie, on the radio, in a newspaper or in a work of art. In fact, these are three similar, but with different meanings of turnover: used to, be used to, get used to… And none of these options have the meaning of “use something” like the verb to use. Let’s take a closer look at these turns.
:
Table: used to be used to get used to — rules and examples
This table contains schemes, meaning, examples of the use of three types of sentences with used to… For a more detailed analysis, read below.
Used to Be used to Get used to
scheme | Only in the past tense. |
In the past and present tense. |
In the past, present, future. |
Value |
|
|
|
Example |
As a child, I read more. |
I’m used to life in New York; I’m used to New York. |
I am used to playing sports.
You will get used to this place. |
Used to turnover — past action
Offers with used to are built according to the scheme: I used to do something.
Where instead of I there can be any other subject: he, she, they, Boris, my friend, etc., and instead of to do — any action expressed by a verb in the initial form (infinitive), including instead of to do the verb can be used to be (to be). The turnover is used only in the past tense.
Turnover used to used in two cases.
1. The action took place for some time in the past, but now it is no longer happening
Please note that the time period is inaccurately delineated (earlier, when I was young, years ago, etc.)
examples:
I used to smoke a lot but now I don’t. — I am a lot smokedbut now I don’t smoke.
Martin used to gamble when he was younger. — Martin played gambling when I was younger.
Smoked a lot — this is an action that took place for a long time in the past, and the period of time is not specifically delineated. Now this action is no longer taking place (“now I do not smoke”).
Gambling is also an action from the past. The time period is blurred (“when he was younger”). In this example, it is not directly indicated that Martin is no longer playing, but the interlocutor understands this even without clarification, since this implies the turnover itself used to.
A very common pattern is the type I used to be, that is, the verb “to be” is used as a verb in this scheme.
you used to be smarter. — You were smarter.
There used to be a farm here but now there is a mall. “There was a farm here, and now it’s a shopping center.
I used to be an adventurer you then I took an arrow in the knee. “I, too, was an adventurer like you, but then I was shot in the knee with an arrow.
2. The action in the past was routine, repetitive
In my childhood I used to read fairy tales. — As a child, I read fairy tales.
I mean: I had the habit of reading fairy tales, I read them from time to time.
When Elvis sang Usedtotake off his scarf and give it to girls in the audience. — When Elvis sang, he took off his scarf and gave it to the girls from the audience.
I mean, Elvis had this habit, he often did it.
Please note that in this case, you can use not only used tobut also the verb would
Source: https://langformula.ru/english-grammar/used-to/
Lesson 62. Turnovers get used to and be used to in English
Sofia StalskayaHigher linguistic education. Work experience 5 years.
There are two other useful phrases in English that are used to talk about habits. It is very easy to confuse them with turnover. used to from the last lesson, because they are also formed using the use verb. These are such turns as: to be used to и to get used to.
Terms of use to be used to and to get used to
Both of these phrases are used to talk about what we are used to, that is, about what was once new and unusual.
I ‘m used to my new job. — I’m used to a new job.
I can’t get used to living in France. — I can’t get used to living in France.
Turnover to be used to can be used in both the present and the past tense, so the verb to be will change in tenses, for example:
He wasn’t used to Chinese food.
They are used to rainy weather.
As you can see from the example, negation is formed with the help of the particle Note… If you want to ask a question, change the word order:
What food are you using to?
Synonymous with turnover to be used to is the expression be accustomed to.
Since the verb to be is a static verb, this turnover is not used in the tenses of the Continuous group.
Turnover to get used to can be used in Continuous, denoting the habituation process.
I ‘m getting used to the place. — I’m getting used to this place.
In negative and interrogative sentences with a turnover to get used to use the appropriate auxiliary verbs:
I did not get used to your new haircut.
Did you get used to your new flat?
After to be used to and to get used to either a noun or a verb ending is used ing.
Differences between to be used to and to get used to
How are these two expressions different from used to? Let’s compare three sentences.
I used to live in Italy. — I once lived in Italy. (I no longer live in Italy.) I got used to living in Italy. — I’m used to living in Italy. (I currently live in Italy.)
I am used to living in Italy. — I’m used to living in Italy. (I currently live in Italy.)
Despite the fact that the last two sentences are translated into Russian in the same way, there are differences between them in English. The got used to sentence emphasizes not the result of addiction, but the process of acquiring the habit. The sentence with be used to, on the contrary, speaks of the result, that we are already used to something.
Lesson assignments
Task 1. Choose the correct option.
1. I (used to / got used to) cook a lot but now I don’t.
- She can’t (get used to / used to) being rich.
- He (is used to / didn’t use to) getting up at 6 o’clock.
- I remember how we (used to / are used to) speak about music all the time.
- They (got used to / used to) live in a house when they were children.
- He can’t stand buses, but now he (is being used to / is getting used to) public transport.
- I hope you (will get used to / be used to) a new city.
- We moved here not long ago but I have already (got used to / used to) the place.
Task 2. Translate.
- We used to go to the park on weekends.
- I’m trying to get used to my new neighbors.
- He was used to going to bed early.
- Tim is not used to having a pet.
- Jane loved tea, and now she only drinks coffee.
- They are not used to the cold.
- Father used to drive fast.
- I can’t get used to working in a large office.
Reply 1.
- used to
- get used to
- is used to
- used to
- used to
- is getting used to
- will get used to
- got used to
Reply 2.
- We used to go to the park at the weekend.
- I’m trying to get used to my new neighbors.
- He has already got used to going to bed early.
- Tim isn’t used to having a pet.
- Jane used to tea but now she drinks only coffee.
- They didn’t get used to the cold.
- Father used to drive fast.
- I can’t get used to working in a big office.
Source: https://linguistpro.net/oboroty-get-used-to-i-be-used-to-v-anglijskom-yazyke
Writing am are. Using the to particle before verbs in English
It is advisable to start the study of verbs in English by studying the most common verb — the verb to be — to be, is, to be.
Below is a table with the change of the verb to be by persons (verb conjugation) in the present, past and future tenses.
Currently, | Past tense | Future time | |
I | am — I am | was | shall / will |
you | are — he is | Were | will |
He, she, it | is — he, she, it is | was | will |
We | are — you, you are | Were | shall / will |
you | are — we are | Were | will |
They | are — they are | Were | will |
In Russian, the verb «to be» in affirmative sentences can be omitted. For example: «He is at home», «He is 25 years old.» In English, on the other hand you can not use sentences without a verb… The obligatory presence of the verb is required, although it may clearly not be translated into Russian. For example, to say «I am a pilot» in English, you need to add the verb be, and as a result, the sentence will get the meaning «I am a pilot» — «I am pilot. ”Some more examples:
- I am 45 — I’m 45 (I’m 45)
- I am from Moscow — I am from Moscow (I am from Moscow)
- I am married — I am married (I am married)
- He is Mark — His name is Mark (He is Mark)
Also, sentences use abbreviated forms of the verb to be:
- I am = I »m
- He is = He «s
- They are = They »re
- He is not = He isn «t
- We are not = We aren «t
Let’s consider one more difference between Russian and English. In Russian, the affirmative and interrogative sentences can differ only by the question mark at the end of the sentence. For example:
- He is a writer — a statement.
- Is he a writer? — question.
In the structure of speech in Russian, the interrogative sentence differs from the affirmative with a special interrogative intonation. The British, on the other hand, can say a statement with the same intonation as a question. The English get out of this situation by changing the word order in the sentence:
- He is a writer — He is a writer.
- Is he a writer — Is he a writer?
To ask a question, you need to swap the subject he and auxiliary verb is (to be).
For negation in Russian, the particle «not» is used, and in English the particle «Note«, Which is placed after the auxiliary verb be.
- He is not at home — He not at home.
- They are not enemies — They not enemies.
To consolidate the forms of the verb to be in different persons and tenses, conjugate the sentence «I am strong»:
Present time:
Currently, | Past tense | Future time |
|
|
|
As an independent verb (to be) is used to denote the age of people, the size of objects, the price of goods, time, weather, characteristics of people.
As an auxiliary verb be used to form long tenses and the passive voice (am / is / are / was / were).
Personal forms of the verb
I | you | he, she, it | we | you | they |
am | are | is | are | are | are |
am being | are being | are being | are being | are being | are being |
To be or not to be? That is not the question The ancient Greeks’ sea deity Proteus could (like the sea) take on any form. What are we for?
To the fact that the verb «to be» is known in the world not only as the most vital and always relevant, but also as the most changeable (protean) in the English language, constantly changing and assuming different forms, sometimes not so noticeable to us.
Given that it is used so often in English speech, it is rather unfortunate that «to be» has to be the most fickle and slippery verb in the language. Let’s get to know him better. C «mon!
What is the verb to be and why is it needed
The verb To Be (am, is, are) is the foundation of English grammar. If you misunderstood or missed this material, then all of your English language learning is likely to be unsuccessful. Therefore, if you feel that somewhere you have a gap in this material, then it is better to stay longer on this article.
It is this verb that underlies the construction of about 30 percent of all English grammatical structures and it is with it that you should start learning English grammar.
For example, to say «I am a student», we must insert the necessary form of the linking verb «to be» and the sentence will acquire the meaning «I am
Source: https://bidinvest.ru/alternativnaya-energiya/napisanie-am-are-upotreblenie-chasticy-to-pered-glagolami-v.html
Infinitive | English grammar | EF
The infinitive is the stem of the verb. In English, when we talk about the infinitive, we usually mean the present tense, which is the most common. However, there are four other forms of the infinitive: the perfect infinitive, the perfect-extended infinitive, the extended infinitive, and the passive infinitive.
The infinitive has two forms:
- infinitive with to = to + base
- zero infinitive = base
The base of the infinitive in the present tense is the verb form you see in the dictionary.
Infinitive with to Zero infinitive
to sit | sit |
to eat | eat |
to have | Have |
to remember | remember |
A negative infinitive is formed by adding not before any form of the infinitive.
Infinitive functions with to
The to infinitive is often used in sentences in which it denotes an intention or someone’s opinion about something. The to infinitive is also used after a long list of different verbs that it precedes. Look at the page with verbs followed by an infinitive.
The to infinitive to indicate the purpose or intent of an action
In this case, to has the same meaning as in order to or so as to.
To infinitive as subject in a sentence
This use of the infinitive is formal, and is used much more in written English than in spoken English.
The to infinitive in cases where something can or will be used for something
In these examples, the to infinitive follows the noun or pronoun.
To infinitive after adjectives
There is a fairly common way of using the to infinitive with an adjective. Such phrases are formed:
subject + to be + adjective + (for / of someone) + infinitive with to + (rest of the sentence)
The to infinitive in a comment or judgment
Use the following construct when using the to infinitive when making or judging a noun:
Subject + to be + noun phrase + to infinitive
Infinitive with to c adverbs
The to infinitive is often used with the adverbs too and enough to express the reason for our pleasure or displeasure.
The construction is constructed as follows: too and enough come before or after the adjective, adverb, or noun to which they relate as if they were without the infinitive with to.
Then after that we put the infinitive with to to explain the reason why a certain amount is excessive, sufficient, or insufficient. Usually the to infinitive and everything that follows it can be omitted in a sentence, which remains grammatically correct.
To infinitive with question words
The verbs ask, decide, explain, forget, know, show, tell, and understand can be followed by interrogative words such as where, how, what, who, and when + the to infinitive.
Zero infinitive after verbs of perception
With verbs of perception, the construction is as follows: verb + object + null infinitive.
Source: https://www.ef.ru/angliyskie-resursy/angliyskaya-grammatika/infinitiv/
Use of Used To in English
You probably know how the word «use» is translated into English.
Use means to use something (object, mechanism, person, method, etc.) in order to accomplish a task, perform an activity, etc.
Notice the sentence using the word «use» in the past tense:
• I Used a sharp knife to cut the tomato.
You can also see this sentence in the passive voice.
• A sharp knife was used to cut the tomato.
If you’re a beginner, don’t worry too much about using passive voice now!
I just want you to notice that here used to used in its original meaning.
However, this expression is also used in other meanings, has two separate uses that are very common in the English language.
Let’s take a closer look at these values.
Using Used to to describe past habits
Used to is used to describe a past habit, the difference between past and present. For example, in the past, I hated spinach. Now, I can eat it calmly.
- I used to hate spinach. But now I can eat it.
Also, when we use used to to mean “have a habit in the past,” we can rephrase the sentence as follows, using the word anymore:
- I used to hate spinach. = I do not hate spinach anymore.
Please note if your sentence is interrogative or negative (it contains did or didn‘t to express the past), then instead of Used to you will use use to + infinitive:
- Where did you use to buy your food?
- I didn’t use to do gymnastics.
Let’s see how the phrase used to uses the vocalist of the group Daughtry in his song.
Used to means «get used to»
To be used to something means getting used to: being familiar with something or feeling comfortable in a given situation.
Again, for example, I eat spinach every week, this is absolutely normal for me — a common occurrence. In this case, I can say:
Then our construction will be as follows:
[subject of action execution + verb be (changed depending on the person) + Used to+ noun].
To ask a question, we simply change the order of words in a sentence:
Note that the gerund (that is, verb + ending —ing) can also act as a noun:
- I am used to washing dishes *.
* washing dishes — like a noun with a sign of action.
Very often the phrase Used to used with the verb get in the meaning of getting used to:
- I am getting Used to spinach: means that before I had no habit of eating spinach, but now it has become normal for me, i.e. I’m getting used to eating spinach.
- I got used to the taste of spinach: I didn’t know what spinach tasted like before, but now I do and I seem to have got used to its special taste.
- Are you getting used to the taste of spinach?: Are you getting used to the spinach taste already?
- I can‘t get Used to the Key of spinach: I can never consider this taste normal — I can not get used to it.
How to determine the Used to value?
In order to determine in what meaning a given phrase is used, it is necessary to look at the context.
If after used to you see a noun or gerund (a word with the ending «-ing»), then we are talking about the meaning of «get used to».
If after used to there is a verb, it means that this is a past habit of doing something, or an explanation of the use of the subject.
- When I was young and lived with my parents, I used to help them a little bit with baking and cooking.
- I wasn’t used to walk on high heels at the time.
- Jordan is used to me trying new things in cooking.
Exercises for Used to Practice
- Write three sentences describing your past habits using used to.
- Write three sentences about food that you are accustomed to or never able to get used to. Use the phrase (get) used to.
Feel free to write your answers in the comments.
See you soon!
Source: https://preply.com/blog/2014/11/04/upotreblenie-used-to-v-anglijskom-yazyke/
Terms of use «Used to»
By Alina Skorokhodova December 21, 2019
In English, the simple past tense (Past Simple) can be conveyed not only using the corresponding forms of the verb, but also using the construction used to + indefinite verb.
This phrase describes regular actions or individual events that were in the past, but then stopped. The construction has the same meaning as any other verb used in the simple past tense. The turnover is used very often both in colloquial and literary speech.
In the structure of the construction, the verb use loses its basic meaning (use) and is translated by the word «earlier». And what happened before is reported by a semantic verb used in the form of an infinitive.
For example:
- They used to be friends. — They used to be friends (and now they are not);
- It used to be my house. — It used to be my house (but now it is not).
Formula of education
Offers with turnover used to + Infinitive can be used in affirmative, interrogative and negative forms.
Let’s consider in detail the formula for the formation of each of them:
- Affirmative (used to + infinitive of the main verb): there are two main elements in the structure of the construction — the simple past form of the verb use and the infinitive of the main verb. The form of the verb used does not change regardless of the case and number used. The affirmative form is the most common.
- Negative form (did not + use + infinitive of the main verb). When forming a less common negative form, it is necessary to expand the construction by adding the auxiliary verb do in the past tense form did and the negative particle not. The verb use itself, like the main verb, should be used in the infinitive.
- Interrogative form (did + use + infinitive of the main verb). To form an interrogative form, it is also necessary to expand the initial construction by adding the verb do in the past tense. The verb use and the main verb are used in an indefinite form.
Here are a few examples:
- Affirmative Form:He used toplay hockey when he was at school. — Earlier, when he was a schoolboy, he played hockey.
- Negative form:He did not use toplay hockey when he was at school. — When he was a schoolboy, he did not play hockey.
- Interrogative form:Did he use to play hockey when he was at school? — Did he play hockey when he was a schoolboy?
Note: the used to construct cannot be used to convey actions taking place in the present and future tense.
When to use?
There are two main cases in which the use of the used to do + infinitive construction is justified:
- Fortransmission of events, phenomena or actions that often happened before, but do not occur in the present tense. In this case, the construction is translated by the word «earlier».
For example:- Did they use to go to the beach every summer? — Did they go to the beach every summer before?
- She used to love eating chocolate, but now she hates it. — She used to eat a lot of chocolate, but now she hates it.
- When I lived in the city I often used to go to the theater. — When I lived in the city, I often visited theaters.
- She used to play the piano but now she plays the guitar. — She used to play the piano, but now she plays the guitar.
- They used to spend summer in the country. “They used to spend the summer in the country.
- For transmissionindividual facts, phenomena or conditionsthat were before, but now they are not present or the meaning has been lost. In this case, the turnover is translated by the words «before» or «earlier».
For example:- He used to play in the team last year. — Last year he played in the team.
- She used to have a hamster. — She used to have a hamster.
- TT used to be the best student in the group, but now Sof’ya is the best. — Previously, Peter was the best student in the group, but now the best Sophia.
- They used to have a small flat in this town. “They used to have a small apartment in this city.
- She used to be an English teacher. — She used to teach English.
Turnover variations used to
The design comes in two flavors that can be confusing to an English learner. It’s all about the similarity of the three turns.
So, in English, in addition to the phrase used to, the following are also used:
- to be used to;
- to get used to.
There are several differences between the three constructs:
- the turnover used to is used only to convey actions occurring in the past tense, and its variations can convey actions taking place both in the present and in the future. It is important that we are talking about those phenomena or events that have become habitual.For comparison:He Usedtoplay with Olga. — He used to play with Olga (BUT no longer plays).
He was used to play with Olga./He GetsUsedtoplaying with Olga. — He used to play with Olga (And now he is). - when using the construction used to, they put a semantic verb in an indefinite form. The phrases be used to and get used to require a noun or gerund after themselves.
For example:
Mike used to fly in London. — Previously, Mike flew to London (BUT now does not fly).
Mike is used to flying in London. / Mike gets used to flying to London. — Mike used to fly to London (And now he does).
In addition, the design used to + Infinitive can be replaced by a verb would. However, when using this verb, you should pay attention to the fact that the subsequent semantic verb should denote a movement or state.
For example:
He would run a lot. — He used to run a lot.
Let’s summarize in order to consolidate the studied material:
- Used to + Infinitive turnover used to convey actions or individual events that took place in the past, but stopped;
- The design can be usedin an affirmative, negative or interrogative form;
- Used to + Infinitive turnover has two varieties be used to + ing / get used to + ing, which are used to convey actions taking place in the present and future tense.
Source: https://eng911.ru/rules/used-to-pravilo.html
The used to. Comparison of used to with Past Simple
«Used to + infinitive» is a special case of the Past Simple time. Therefore, «used to + infinitive» can only be used in the past tense. This construction is used in specific situations, while there are no restrictions for the use of Past Simple. Therefore, “used to + infinitive” cannot always be replaced with “pure” Past Simple and vice versa.
«Used to» expresses two actions that have similarities:
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A repetitive action (habit) that was performed in the past and is not being performed at the moment. But in the context or in the same sentence, it must be emphasized that the named action is no longer being performed.
When I was younger I used to smoke a lot, but now I don’t.
I used to smoke a lot when I was younger, but now I don’t.He used to drink beer, but now he drinks only wine.
He (always) drank beer, and now he only drinks wine. -
A repetitive action (routine) in the past. However, in this case, there is no contrast with the present.
Every morning he used to kiss his wife and set off for work.
Every morning he (usually / as usual) kissed his wife and left for work.In Spain I used to go to restaurants in the evening.
In Spain, I went to a restaurant in the evenings.
Note
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A repetitive, routine action in the past can be expressed in terms of would.
Every morning he would sit in his armchair and read a newspaper.
Every morning, as usual, he sat in his chair and read the newspaper.No, through would it is impossible to express a repetitive action (habit) that was performed in the past and is not being performed at the moment.
We would talk for hours, but now we don’t communicate with each other.
-
«Used to + infinitive» not used to say How Long? or How Often? the action was performed.
I used to go to college for three years.
We used to visit Italy three times.
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«Used to + infinitive» is not used when there are clear temporary pointers in the sentence.
We used to spend all our free time together in 1985.
I used to read more books 20 years ago. — You can already say that.
But usually with this design, such temporary indicators are used as: in our childhood, when I was younger, when she was a teenager. Also, often no temporary pointers with «used to + infinitive» are used.
-
The verb Use is pronounced like [ju: z], its past form used is [ju: zd]. But in this construction, Used is not a form of the past tense and is pronounced exclusively as [ju: st].
Negative sentence
Denial can be expressed in three ways:
-
traditionally via an auxiliary verb did and negative particle Note
I didn’t use to ice-cream in childhood.
-
through a negative particle Note
She used not to play tennis at school.
-
through an unusual short form
They usedn`t to spend evenings together.
Interrogative sentence
Interrogative sentences with the construction «used to + infinitive» are rarely used.
Questions can be structured in two ways:
-
Traditionally via an auxiliary verb did
Did you use to go to discos when you were younger?
What did he use to have breakfast when you lived in the USA?
-
Used itself is used as an auxiliary verb
Used they to be friends at school?
Used he to play with the kids after work?
Source: https://www.study.ru/courses/intermediate/used-to-i-past-simple
The verb used to in English — when and how to use it in speech
The verb used to is not recognized by everyone as a modal verb; it occupies a certain borderline position between modal and full-valued English verbs. Unlike all other modal verbs, it is only used in the past tense.
General Terms of Use
This construction is used to describe actions and situations that have taken place in the past.
For example, in the past you went with a short haircut, but now you have long hair, or you once did dance, but now you don’t.
Note! English has a verb usewhich translates to «use». And there is a construction used to, which translates as «happened / before» and is a form of the past tense.
The used to construction is used in the following cases:
- When we talk about actions that used to happen quite often, but now do not go away at all. (he used to take the subway to work, but now he bought a car and no longer takes the subway)
- When we talk about facts or situations that were before, but now they are not. (we used to be friends, but now we don’t communicate)
Interrogative form
The use of used to in interrogative and negative sentences is undesirable. However, sometimes such use still occurs.
In questions, the verb Used acts like an ordinary verb, and the question is structured like an ordinary general question.
For example:
- Did you use to watch Mickey Mouse? / Have you watched Mickey Mouse before?
- Did you use to school? / Did you enjoy going to school?
negative form
Likewise, a negative sentence with a verb Used is built in the usual way.
sentence construction scheme with the verb used to
For example:
- I didn’t use to watch Mickey Mouse. / I haven’t watched Mickey Mouse before.
The following form is also possible:
- I used not to watch Mickey Mouse.
Turnover «Used to»As a verb (Verb)
This turnover indicates something that happened regularly in the past, but is not happening now. For example, these could be certain habits, states, or repetitive routine actions:
- I used to train every day when I was in the team — I trained every day when I was on the team. (I was in the habit)
- She used to live in Manchester “She used to live in Manchester. (condition)
- Every day she used to say him, «Good morning, my dear» — Every day she said to him: «Good morning, dear.» (routine action)
Turnover «Used to»As an adjective (Adjective)
In its own way, used to can act as an adjective and literally translate as “accustomed to«:
- His neighbors made noise every weekend. But he’s used to it “His neighbors were noisy every weekend. But he’s used to it.
- They lived life and are used to it “They lived a nightlife and got used to it.
Turns similar to Used to
There are some phrases that differ from Used to, but they are often confused.
Construction Be used to
The construction Be used to means «to be in the habit of doing something, to be in the habit of doing something.»
Source: https://englandlearn.com/grammatika/used-to-pravilo
English learners often confuse used to, be used to and get used to. And that makes a lot of sense! They sound almost exactly the same, after all.
But they actually have very different functions in the English language. So, how do we use them, and what’s the difference? Advertisements
The difference between used to, be used, and get used to is:
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Used to is a verb we use to talk about something that happened in the past that doesn’t happen anymore. We always use it in the past tense.
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Be/get used to is an adjective that means we are so familiar with something that is seems normal or usual. Just as with any adjective, we can use the verb be or get before it.
There are a few more subtle differences and common mistakes that we’re going to talk about today. We’ll talk about:
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Used To: Usage and Structure
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Be Used To and Get Used To: Usage and Structure
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
Then you’ll have the opportunity to practice and test your knowledge with a couple of practice exercises and a writing prompt. So, if you’re ready to dive into the differences between these two phrases, let’s get started!Advertisements
The Difference Between Used to, Be Used TO and Get used to
How to Use Used To
Used to actually functions as a modal verb. We use modal verbs such as can, could, would, or should to talk about things such as ability, probability, suggestion, advice, or obligation, to name a few.
Used to is a modal verb that we specifically use to talk about habits we had in the past. So, because it functions as a modal verb, we always put used to with a base verb. Here’s the basic structure:
Structure
-
Subject + used to + base verb + . . .
Examples
-
He used to work here.
-
She used to run every day.
-
We used to be good friends.
Keep in mind that we never change the base verb that comes after used to.
Examples
-
He used to work here.
-
He used to working here.
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She used to run every day.
-
She used to running every day.
Used To in the Negative
If we want to talk about how a habit or repeated action didn’t exist in the past, but it exists now, we can use did not use to. Here, we use use to instead of used to because of the auxiliary verb did, so be careful of the spelling here.
Structure
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Subject + didn’t + use to + base verb + . . .
Examples
-
He didn’t use to cry so much.
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She didn’t use to drive so fast.
-
We didn’t use to fight like this.
We can also use “never used to” to express the same meaning.
Examples
-
He never used to cry so much.
-
She never used to drive so fast.
-
We never used to fight like this.
Used To in a Question
It is possible to use used to in a question if we want to know if someone has always had the habit they have now. And in this case, we have to follow the same spelling of “use to” without the -d at the end.
Structure
-
Did + subject + use to + base verb + . . . ?
We can also put a question with used to in the negative:
-
Didn’t + subject + use to + base verb + . . . ?
Examples
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Didn’t you use to climb trees when you were a kid?
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Did you use to exercise more in the past?
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Did they use to take such long vacations?Advertisements
Used To With Adverbs of Frequency
We often use used to with adverbs of frequency like sometimes, never, always, or often to show how often a repeated action or habit occurred in the past.
Examples
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They never used to make so much noise.
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We sometimes used to swim in the river.
-
He always used to eat dessert after every meal.
Related post: What’s the Difference Between If and Whether?
How to Use Be Used To and Get Used To
Now, let’s take a look at the phrases be used to and get used to.
I’m grouping be used to and get used to together because they have a similar function, and their meanings are almost the same.
Both be used to and get used to are adjectives that mean we are accustomed to doing something, or that we are in the process of getting accustomed to it. Here are some examples:
-
I am used to waking up early.
(I am accustomed to waking up early.)
-
It was uncomfortable at first, but eventually, I got used to public speaking.
(Eventually, I got accustomed to public speaking.)
Structure
With be/get used to, there are two possible structures:
-
Subject + be/get + used to + -ing
-
Subject + be/get + used + noun
Get Used To
We covered the uses of get in another post, but the important thing to remember here is this: get indicates a process of change. To understand this, let’s look at a simple example. If I say,
-
“I wasn’t used to the humidity when I first moved to Taiwan, but eventually I got used to it.”
Using get here in its past form got signifies that the transformation is complete: I am now accustomed to the humidity.
So we often say that we got used to something when we were in a situation that felt strange or difficult, and we slowly became accustomed to it until it felt normal.
Remember also that we always follow get used to with a noun or a gerund (-ing verb). We never follow it with a base verb.
Examples
-
It took him a while to get used to the slower pace of life here.
-
When I was younger, I hated waking up early. But eventually, I got used to it.
-
Even though they have lived here for nine years, they still can’t get used to the winters.
We often use get used to in the continuous form if the process of change is still ongoing:
-
I am slowly getting used to the weather here.
-
They are still getting used to the traffic in this city.
Be Used To
We can use be used to to show how something that didn’t feel normal in the past feels normal now.
Examples
-
He is used to the sound of their fighting now.
-
We are used to the smaller rooms in this apartment.
Unlike get used to, we don’t use be used to in the present continuous tense:
-
We’re being used to the smaller rooms in this apartment.
-
We’re used to the smaller rooms in this apartment.
It takes time to get used to new things, so we can use get used to and be used to with still, already, yet, and just to show where we are in the process of adjusting to a new experience.
Examples
-
I have just gotten used to that new car smell.
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He’s still not used to his new work environment.
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We’re already used to the customs here.
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They haven’t gotten used to living in an old house yet.Advertisements
Also check out: What’s the Meaning and Difference Between Although, Even Though, and Though?
Used To, Be Used To, and Get Used To: Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Make sure to spell used to correctly in sentences that aren’t negative or questions. Don’t forget to add the -d, even though you can’t always hear it in speaking:
-
We use to go to that park all the time.
-
We used to go to that park all the time.
-
-
But with questions and negative sentences, we don’t add the -d to use to.
-
He didn’t used to cry so much.
-
He didn’t use to cry so much.
-
Did you used to climb trees?
-
Did you use to climb trees?
-
-
In American English, the negative form of used to is didn’t use to, but in British English, it’s okay to say used to not. Just be careful not to get confused.
-
They didn’t use to argue so much. (American English)
-
They used to not argue so much. (British English)
-
-
Be careful not to confuse be used to with the modal verb used to.
-
She was used to visit her grandmother more often.
-
She used to visit her grandmother more often.
-
They were used to invite us to dinner sometimes.
-
They used to invite us to dinner sometimes.
-
-
Be careful not to confuse be used to with get used to.
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I am got used to the new apartment.
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I am used to the new apartment.
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They aren’t get used to having a dog.
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They aren’t used to having a dog.Advertisements
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USED TO, BE USED TO, OR GET USED TO: EXERCISE 1
Using the word given, complete the second sentence so its meaning is similar to the first. All answers need used to, be used to, or get used to.
1. In the past, I had the habit of shopping in the store, but now I only shop online.
I used to shop in the store and not online.
2.Eating a vegetarian diet is going to feel normal for you eventually.
You _______________________________________ eating vegetarian.
3. We didn’t like your old habit of smoking.
We didn’t like that _______________________________________ .
4. Living on the top floor without an elevator feels normal to them now.
They _____________________________ living without an elevator.
5. She is never going to adjust to that smell.Advertisements
She is never going ______________________________________________ that smell.
USED TO, BE USED TO, OR GET USED TO: EXERCISE 2
Are the sentences correct? If not, what’s the correction?
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Were you use to go to church in the past?
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Annie has gotten used to life at her new university.
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They got used to stop by the store every day.
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Our old dog is used to go to the bathroom inside the house.
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I use to make friends more easily.
Used To, Be Used To, and Get Used To: Writing Exercise
Taking some time every week to practice your writing is one of the best ways you can improve, and I usually notice more improvement in students who do some extra writing in English every week.
So here’s a writing prompt to get you thinking and scribbling or typing away in English:
What is one old piece of technology that we used to use that we should use again? Why? Write at least five sentences to support your argument, and use used to, get used to, and be used to in your writing.
About the writer
Marta is an online ESL teacher who works with students from around the world. As a writer for In English With Love, her mission is to empower English learners with knowledge and positivity.
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