🕰️ Grammar: “Used to + Verb” for Past Habits
1ère Bac Sciences Mathématiques SM
📌 Introduction
We use “used to + verb” to talk about habits and states that were true in the past but are no longer true today.
Science Tip: “In oral exams, you might say: ‘I used to hate Chemistry, but now I love doing experiments.'”
🔤 Structure & Meaning
Affirmative Form
- I used to play football after school.
- She used to study French, but now she studies English.
- We used to walk to school. Now we take the bus.
Example: “I used to hate Biology, but now I enjoy doing experiments.”
➖ Negative & Questions
Negative Form
- I didn’t use to like school.
- They didn’t use to do homework regularly.
Questions
- Did you use to play video games?
- Did she use to live in the countryside?
Example: “Did you use to hate exams? Yes, I did. Now I prepare better.”
❌ Common Mistakes
❌ I used to played football.
✅ I used to play football.
Rule: Always use the base verb after “used to”.
❌ I am used to get up early.
✅ I used to get up early. (past)
✅ I am used to getting up early. (now – different meaning)
Remember: “used to + verb” = past habit. Not “use to” or “used to + -ing”.
✅ Exercise 1: Complete the Sentences
Use used to or didn’t use to + the correct verb:
1. I ___ (like) Science, but now I love it.
2. She ___ (do) her homework every day. Now she never does.
3. ___ you ___ (live) in a village? (question)
✍️ Exercise 2: Write About Your Past
Write 3 sentences about your school life in the past using “used to”:
- What subjects did you like?
- How did you study?
- What activities did you do?
📌 Summary
- Used to + verb = past habits or states (no longer true)
- Didn’t use to + verb = negative past habit
- Did + subject + use to + verb? = question form
- Always use the base verb (not -ing or past)
- Great for talking about how you’ve changed: “I used to… Now I…”
