IN English language the simple past tense () can be conveyed not only by using the corresponding , but also by using the construct used to + indefinite form of the verb.
This turnover describes regular actions or individual events that were in the past, but then stopped. The construction has the same meaning as any other used in the simple past tense. Turnover is used very often both in colloquial and in literary speech.
In the construction structure of the verb use loses its basic meaning (to use) and is translated by the word "before". And what happened before is reported by the semantic verb used in the form of the infinitive.
For example:
- They used to be friends. They used to be friends (but not now);
- It used to be my house. It used to be my house (but not now).
Education formula
With turnover used to + Infinitive can be used in affirmative, interrogative and negative forms.
Consider in detail the formula for the formation of each of them:
Here are some examples:
- Affirmative form:
He used to play hockey when he was at school. - Before, when he was a schoolboy, he played hockey. - :
He did not use to play hockey when he was at school. When he was a schoolboy, he didn't play hockey. - :
Did he use to play hockey when he was at school? Did he play hockey when he was a schoolboy?
Note: The used to construction cannot be used to convey actions that take place in the present and future tenses.
When to use?
There are two main cases in which the used to do construction + infinitive is justified:
Turnaround Variations used to
The construction has two varieties that can be misleading to an English learner. It's all about the similarity of the three revolutions.
So, in English speech, in addition to the turnover used to, they also use:
- to be used to;
- to get used to.
There are several differences between the three designs:
- turnover used to is used only to convey actions that occur in the past tense, and its variations can convey actions taking place both in the present and in the future tense. It is important that we are talking about those phenomena or events that have become familiar.
For comparison:
He used to play with Olga. – He used to play with Olga (BUT he doesn’t play anymore).
He was used to play with Olga./ He gets used to playing with Olga. - He is used to playing with Olga (And now he is playing). - when using the construction used to put semantic. The phrases be used to and get used to require the use of a noun or after them.
For example:
Mike used to fly in London. Mike used to fly to London (BUT he doesn't fly now).
Mike is used to flying in London. / Mike gets used to flying to London. Mike is used to flying to London (And now he flies).
In addition, the design used to + Infinitive can be replaced with a verb . However, when using this verb, you should pay attention to the fact that the subsequent semantic verb must denote a movement or state.
For example:
He would run a lot. “He used to run a lot.
Let's summarize what we've learned so far:
- Turnover used to + Infinitive used to convey actions or individual events that took place in the past, but have ceased;
- The structure can be used in affirmative, negative or interrogative form;
- The turnover used to + Infinitive has two varieties be used to + ing / get used to + ing, which are used to convey actions occurring in the present and future tenses.
In English, to express repeated actions in the past can be used "used to" construction.
Formation Method Used To
used to + I verb form
For example:
I used to go to the beach every day.
Earlier Every day I walked to the beach.
The construction "used to" is undesirable to use in interrogative and negative sentences, but, sometimes, in colloquial English, such use occurs. However, in interrogative and negative sentences, it is better to use Simple Past.
Used To
An action that happened frequently in the past
"Used to" is used to describe actions that used to happen quite often, but now don't happen at all. When translating into Russian, the words "before", "before", etc. are often added.
For example:
Jerry used to study English.
Jerry used to study English.
Sam and Mary used to go to Mexico in the summer.
Sam and Mary used to travel often to Mexico in the summer.
I used to start work at 9 o'clock.
Earlier I started work at 9 o'clock.
Christine used to eat meat, but now she is a vegetarian.
Earlier Christina ate meat, and now she's a vegetarian.
Individual facts or general provisions in the past
"Used to" can be used to describe particular facts or general statements that used to be true but are no longer true. When translating into Russian, the words "before", "before", etc. are also often added.
For example:
I used to live in Paris.
Earlier I lived in Paris.
Sarah used to be fat, but now she is thin.
Earlier Sarah was fat, but now she's skinny.
George used to be the best student in class, but now Lena is the best.
Earlier George was the best student in the class, but now the best Lena.
oranges used to cost very little in Florida, but now they are quite expensive.
Earlier oranges in Florida cost very cheap, but now they are very expensive.
Used To or Simple Past
Both "used to" and Simple Past can be used to describe repeated events in the past, isolated facts that are no longer true. However, "used to" is preferred when affirmative sentences emphasize the repetition of actions in the past. However, in interrogative and negative sentences, Simple Past is preferred.
For example:
You used to play the piano.
Earlier You played on the piano.
Did you play the piano when you were young?
you as a child played on the piano?
You did not play the piano when you were young.
As a child you didn't play on the piano.
Interrogative and negative sentences using Used To
As mentioned above, the use of "used to" in interrogative and negative sentences is undesirable. However, sometimes this usage still occurs.
In questions verb used acts as an ordinary verb, and the question is constructed as an ordinary general question.
For example:
Did you use to watch Mickey Mouse?
Have you looked before Mickey Mouse?
Did you use to like school?
Did you enjoy studying At school?
Similarly, a negative sentence with the verb used built in the usual way.
For example:
I didn't use to watch Mickey Mouse.
I haven't looked before Mickey Mouse.
The following form is also possible:
I used not to watch Mickey Mouse.
would verb
Like the construction "used to", the verb would can be used to express repeated actions in the past.
In some cases would is completely analogous to "used to".
For example:
I used to go swimming twice a week. – I would go swimming twice a week.
I used to go swimming two times a week.
However, in most cases, would, as opposed to "used to", denotes actions that happened from time to time, without contrasting it with the present moment. With such use would used with indicators of the time when the action took place. into Russian would translated with the words "before", "before".
For example:
When I was young, I would visit my grandmother every summer.
As a child, I used to visit grandmother every summer.
Would cannot be used to describe states, individual facts, or general positions in the past, but can only be used for repeated actions in the past.
For example:
I would play the piano. ( Wrong)
I used to play the piano. ( Right)
I used to play the piano.
Those who study English often confuse two expressions - I used to do smth And I "m used to smth, because they are similar in appearance. Moreover, when speaking quickly, it is difficult to notice the difference. Let's look at how these constructions are used and what is the difference between them.
I used to do smth
Let's start with the first expression − I used to do smth- First of all, we note that this past form expressions, but since it is most often used in this form, we will give examples in the past tense:
- I used to take the bus to get to work - I usually went to work by bus
- I used to go for a walk in the park - I often walked in the park
- He used to meet me near the door of my house - He used to meet me at the door of my house.
- People used to send letters to each other - People used to send letters to each other.
Google shortcode
As can be seen from the examples, used to plays the role of an adverb and is translated as “usually, happened, often, before”, i.e. using this construction, we want to emphasize that someone used to or liked to perform some action in the past. Used to do smth points to repeated action in the past , but currently this action is no longer performed.
I'm used to (doing) smth
to be used to – get used to something . Unlike the previous construction, which we translated into an adverb, this one is a predicate in a sentence and can be used in the present and past tense to express both a habitual action (habit) and something that we can put up with, such as pain, the absence of someone, etc.
- He is used to my whole day absence - He is used to the fact that I am absent all day
- Poor boy! He is used to pain - Poor boy! he is used to pain.
- I was used to having meals three times a day - I used to eat three times a day
- I'm used to driving on the left as I've lived in Britain for a long time. — I am used to driving on the left as I have lived in Britain for a long time.
In this construction, the verb be can be replaced with a verb get .
The path of the English language throughout history has always been thorny.
Since the reign of the British Empire, it has become widespread and has become available for development. ordinary people in many countries.
Now English has its own structured learning system, like any other language of civilized countries. And always along with the rules there are exceptions that give the language a certain flexibility.
One of these exceptions will now be discussed.
Turnaround "Used to" as a verb (Verb)
This turnover indicates what happened regularly in the past, but does not happen now. For example, it could be some 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 had a habit)
- She used to live in Manchester - She used to live in Manchester. (state)
- Every day she used to say him, "Good morning, my dear" - Every day she told him: " Good morning, Expensive ". (routine action)
Turnaround "Used to" as an adjective (Adjective)
In its own way, used to can act as an adjective and literally translate as “used 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 nightlife and are used to it - They lived the nightlife and got used to it.
Turnaround "Used to" in negative and interrogative forms
Obviously, I want to say that often when compiling such forms, English speakers use the simple Past Simple, without the “used to” turnover. But at the same time, offers sometimes slip through with this turnover.
The negative form (Negative) is formed in 2 ways:
1. Using auxiliary verb did and not particles:
didn't + use to + infinitive
- He didn't use to like me, but then he changed his mind - He didn't like me, but then he changed his mind
- I'm surprised that they joined the hockey club. I remembered they didn't use to like hockey - I'm surprised they joined the hockey club. I remember they didn't like hockey.
In most cases, we can use never instead of didn't:
- He didn't use to work so much
- He never used to work so much
2. With the verb to be and the particle not:
to be + not + used to
- He's not used to the new order - He is not used to new orders.
- I'm not used to her - I'm not used to her.
Interrogative form (Question).
Did + subject + use to + infinitive … ?
- Did you use to travel a lot before you get this job? - (Have you ever travelled?)
- Did you use to spend hours in front of the mirror when you were young?
Also "used to" can always be combined with special questions:
- Where did he use to spend time at nights? Where does he like to spend his time at night?
- What did you use to relax when you were a teenager? How did you usually relax when you were a teenager?
"Used to" and "would"
In some cases, we can replace used to with would if we are talking exclusively about habits:
- I used to get up early when I've worked in the police
- I would get up early when I've worked in the police
"Get used to"
A similar turnover shows the process of getting used to something and can be used at any time:
- We got used to live here yet - We are already used to living here
- Well I am getting used to tropical climate - Well, I'm already getting used to the tropical climate
- I think that I will get used to new homeland - I think I'll get used to the new home
"Be used to + gerund"
Unlike “used to + verb”, which indicated habits that were acquired in the past and remained there, this turnover indicates habits that were acquired in the past and are active now:
- I'm used to working at night. (I used to work at night)
- I used to work at night. (I used to work at night, but now I don't work)
In conclusion, I would like to mention one nuance. Sometimes people seem to say "use to" instead of "used to". This is all due to the fact that when used to is said, the extreme “d” is pronounced like t, and the next word “to” begins with the same sound. Therefore, it is heard as one t. When speaking, we often pronounce words quickly, which is why they stick together.
We also recommend watching this short video tutorial from our friend James
Some constructions of the English language are not always clear to Russian-speaking students, since many of them are not only unique, but also structurally similar. In particular, sometimes the complexity is delivered by the turns used to, be used to, get used to. However, despite their external similarity, they differ from each other. Moreover, if such constructions as to be used to and to get used to have a similar meaning, then the phrase used to has a completely different and distinctive meaning. Therefore, the difference between these structures must be clearly defined, otherwise they correct use speech would be impossible.
Design features used to
The modal verb used to (and it refers specifically to modals, since it conveys not an action, but an attitude to a certain situation) is a reflection of a situation in the past. Its main difference from other modals is that it is used exclusively in the past tense, in particular, in Past Indefinite. After this construction, only a simple infinitive with a particle to is always used.
The most popular translation of this phrase is “it happened in the past”, that is, the construction is used to show the frequency or regularity of an action performed in the past, but is no longer relevant in the present. In sentences with used to, you cannot meet the Present or Past tenses, since it can only be used with Past.
Note: The situation with the use of used to allows the use of another structure - would, which is essentially its equivalent. However, there are two important nuances. First, would is typical of formal and business speech and is rarely used in colloquial English. Second, you can't pass state with would, only an action.
Here are some examples:
David used to have a habit of smoking much when he was a student - Previously, when David was a student, he had the habit of smoking a lot (i.e. now he does not have such a habit)
I used to be the best swimmer of all my friends - I used to be the best swimmer of all my friends (i.e. now I am not one)
Interrogative sentences
The question with this construction is formed differently than with most others. modal verbs. The fact is that the auxiliary verb did should appear here, and the rule for constructing an interrogative sentence will be standard: auxiliary verb - subject - our construction. In this case, the ending -ed of modal will naturally disappear:
· Did they use to waste much money? Have they spent a lot of money before?
negatives
The construction used to in English can also be used in a negative sense. A negation with this structure is formed according to the principle typical of the Past tense: there must also be an auxiliary verb here, i.e. the phrase “used not to” is grammatically incorrect. Here are examples of what such a negative construction looks like:
I didn’t use to be here in my childhood - I didn’t go here before as a child
She didn't use to spend too much time with her parents - She didn't spend too much time with her parents before
Design features to be used to
The structure to be used to carries a completely different meaning. It translates as "to get used to", and one important feature, which must be taken into account is that after it only the form of the verb with the ending -ing (to be used to doing) is used. A possible equivalent to this form is to be accustomed to, a form that has the same meaning and is also used with V–ing. This design looks like this:
Alex is used to sleeping much on weekends - Alex is used to sleeping a lot on weekends
You will be used to working on holidays - You will get used to working on holidays
The second example shows that this expression can be used not only in the past, but also in the future, and in the present tense.
Questions
In interrogative sentences with this structure, the verb to be in the appropriate form is placed first, followed by the subject, followed by the verb form with the ending –ing and the remaining members of the sentence:
Is he used to spending much time playing computer games? Is he used to spending a lot of time playing computer games?
Negative forms
Grammar also allows the formation of negations. The rules are standard, all structural parts remain unchanged, only the particle not appears:
· We are not used to eating eastern food - We are not used to eating oriental food.
Design features to get used to
This is another structure that is also related to the habituation value. It must also be followed by a verb with the ending –ing (to get used to doing). The main difference from the previous construction is that that option demonstrates a certain completeness of the action, that is, the speaker emphasizes that he is already used to a certain action or state. This construction is rather necessary in order to directly show the process of adaptation and getting used to a particular phenomenon, mastering something new. Time with this expression can be anything:
The water in that house was terrible; I had to get used to it - The water in that house was terrible and I had to get used to it.
· I'm getting used to eating fruit or vegetables every day - I'm starting to get used to eating fruits and vegetables every day.
Questions
Since the verb get is included in the construction structure, an auxiliary verb should appear in questions with this expression, which will be at the very beginning of the sentence:
Did he get used to working at his new office? Has he started to get used to working in his new office?
Will they get used to sleeping under the sky? Will they get used to sleeping in the open?
Negative forms
Negations with construction are also possible. Nothing new appears here, except for the particle not and the corresponding auxiliary verb:
I didn’t get used to living in my sister’s home - I couldn’t get used to living in my sister’s house
Thus, it can be noted that even such outwardly similar structures may have different, and sometimes completely different meanings. In order to better navigate these structures, you can try to perform various exercises on the difference between all these structures. Such training will help you better understand their context and not make mistakes when using them.
