Difference Between Used To and Use To Example With Exercise

Many people get confused between used to and use to, especially since both phrases sound quite similar. If you’re unsure of when to use which, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Understanding the difference between “used to” and “use to” is crucial for improving your grammar and communication. In this guide, we’ll dive into the exact rules for using both forms, how they work in sentences, and why this distinction matters.

The basic rule is simple: used to is correct when talking about past actions or habits, while use to only appears in specific situations, such as when following the word “did” in the past tense. But let’s break it down further so you can confidently use these expressions.

What is Used To and Use To

Before jumping into the specifics, let’s start by understanding the core difference between used to and use to.

Used To

Used to refers to a past habit or action that no longer occurs. It describes something that was true in the past but has changed in the present. Used to can be used to refer to repeated actions in the past or situations that no longer exist.

Example:

• I used to live near the beach.

In this example, used to shows that the person lived near the beach in the past but no longer does.

Use To

On the other hand, use to appears only in certain contexts—specifically, when it follows the auxiliary verb did. In these cases, did is already in the past tense, so the verb “use” stays in its base form.

Example:

• Did you use to swim every day?

Here, use to follows did and is grammatically correct.

What is Used To and Use To

Use “Used To” for:

• Past habits or actions

• Describing a past state or fact

• Indicating something that no longer happens or exists

Examples:

• I used to play the piano when I was younger.

• She used to work at that company, but now she’s retired.

• We used to have a dog, but he passed away last year.

Why “Used To” is Correct

“Used to” is commonly used in situations where you’re talking about something that happened repeatedly in the past, but is no longer true now. It helps us describe things that are no longer part of our current reality, whether they be actions or states of being.

Structure:

These examples clearly illustrate how used to functions in sentences, indicating past actions that no longer happen.

When to Use “Use To”

Use to is only correct when it follows the auxiliary verb did or didn’t, which are in the past tense. Since the did already conveys the past tense, the verb use remains in its base form.

Examples:

• Did you use to go to that gym?

• I didn’t use to eat breakfast, but now I do.

In these sentences, use to is used correctly because it follows did.

Structure:

It’s essential to remember that did used to is incorrect in writing, even though it might sound acceptable in spoken language.

Common Mistakes with Used To and Use To

One common mistake is to mix up use to and used to in situations where used to should be used. This typically happens when people are unsure about the rules or rely too much on how things sound.

For example, many people mistakenly write “I am use to it” instead of the correct “I am used to it.” The phrase used to is needed here to show that the speaker has become accustomed to something.

Incorrect:

• I am use to it.
  Correct:

• I am used to it.

Another common error happens when did is followed by used to, which is incorrect in both speech and writing.

Incorrect:

• Did you used to go to that school?
  Correct:

• Did you use to go to that school?

When to Use Used To for Past Actions and Habits

As we discussed earlier, used to is the correct form when you refer to something that was a habit or action in the past but no longer happens. Let’s dive deeper into how to use used to for habitual past actions and states.

1. Expressing Past Habits

Used to is commonly used to indicate actions that were repeated in the past but are no longer part of your present life. These are things you did regularly before, but not anymore.

Example:

• I used to visit my grandmother every weekend. (But I don’t anymore.)

• She used to ride her bike to work, but now she takes the bus.

This usage highlights the contrast between past and present activities. You can use used to when referring to something you did over and over again at some point in time, but it’s no longer part of your routine now.

2. Describing Past States or Facts

Another common use of used to is when you describe a state or fact that was true in the past but has changed. It’s useful for speaking about things that existed or were true but no longer apply today.

Example:

• There used to be a bakery on this street. (But it’s closed now.)

• We used to have a lot of family dinners every Sunday, but now everyone’s too busy.

These examples show how used to can be used to convey past truths or states that are no longer the case.

Common Questions About “Used To” vs. “Use To”

You may still have some questions about the confusion between used to and use to, especially since used to can also be heard in casual speech in places where use to would be grammatically correct. Let’s clear up some of the common confusions.

1. Why Does “Use To” Appear with “Did”?

You might be wondering why use to is allowed when did is involved. The reason is that did is the past tense auxiliary verb, so the main verb use stays in its base form. The phrase use to in this context follows the standard rule for English grammar: when an auxiliary verb (like did) is used, the main verb remains in its infinitive (base) form.

Example:

• Did you use to play tennis? (Correct)

• I didn’t use to like coffee. (Correct)

Notice that use stays in its base form, not used because did already indicates the past tense.

2. Can I Use “Used To” in the Present?

No, used to is a phrase specifically used to describe past habits or actions, not something happening in the present. If you’re talking about something that’s ongoing or a current habit, used to is incorrect. In this case, you would need a different phrase like be used to or get used to.

Example:

• I am used to waking up early. (This means it’s a regular habit now, and I’m accustomed to it.)

• He’s getting used to the new schedule. (He’s in the process of adapting.)

In these sentences, used to is part of a different construction, meaning “accustomed to” or “getting accustomed to.”

The Mistake People Make: Saying “I Am Use To It”

One very common mistake people make is writing or saying “I am use to it,” which is incorrect. This mistake happens because of how the phrase sounds in casual speech. The d in “used” and the t in “to” can blur together when spoken, making “used to” sound like “use to.” However, in writing, the correct form is used to, not use to, especially in the construction “I am used to it.”

Incorrect:

• I am use to waking up early.

Correct:

• I am used to waking up early.

Using “Used To” in Negative Sentences

When making negative statements, we always use didn’t or don’t with use to, keeping the form use to as it should follow didn’t in the negative construction.

Examples:

• He didn’t use to like vegetables, but now he enjoys them.

• I don’t use to play video games much anymore.

In these cases, use to follows didn’t or don’t, and it’s the proper choice.

20 Example sentences using used to and use to

Examples with “Used to”:

1. I used to go jogging every morning, but now I prefer yoga.

2. She used to live in Paris before moving to New York.

3. They used to be best friends, but they grew apart over time.

4. My parents used to take us camping every summer when we were kids.

5. I used to drink coffee every day, but now I prefer tea.

6. He used to be very shy, but now he speaks in front of large crowds.

7. I used to work at that coffee shop before I changed careers.

8. The park used to be a quiet place, but now it’s always crowded.

9. We used to visit our grandparents every weekend.

10. She used to play the piano, but she stopped after high school.

Examples with “Use to” (following “did” or “didn’t”):

11. Did you use to play soccer when you were younger?

12. I didn’t use to like spicy food, but now I can’t get enough of it.

13. Did they use to live in this neighborhood?

14. He didn’t use to study for exams, but now he’s more diligent.

15. Did she use to sing in a choir before joining the drama club?

16. We didn’t use to spend much time at the beach, but now it’s our favorite spot.

17. I use to think I didn’t like vegetables, but now I enjoy them.

18. Did you use to visit that restaurant before it closed?

19. I didn’t use to care about fashion, but now I love shopping.

20. Did you use to go to that gym before you found a new one?

 

Exercise On Used To vs. Use To

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks (Used To vs. Use To)

1. I ________ go to the gym every morning before work. (used to)

2. Did you ________ like chocolate when you were a child? (use to)

3. They ________ live in a small house before they moved to the city. (used to)

4. I didn’t ________ enjoy reading, but now I love it. (use to)

5. She ________ play the violin, but she stopped after high school. (used to)

6. We ________ eat dinner together as a family every night. (used to)

7. Did you ________ watch TV for hours when you were younger? (use to)

8. He ________ be very shy, but now he’s very outgoing. (used to)

9. I didn’t ________ understand math, but now I’m getting better at it. (use to)

10. My parents ________ take us on trips every summer. (used to)

Exercise 2: Correct the Mistake

1. She use to visit her grandparents every weekend.

2. I used to eat a lot of junk food, but now I’m healthier.

3. Did they used to have a dog when they lived in the city?

4. We didn’t use to get along very well, but now we’re friends.

5. They use to go hiking every summer when they were younger.

6. He didn’t used to drink coffee, but now he loves it.

7. Did you used to play tennis every weekend?

8. She used to live in New York, but now she lives in Chicago.

9. I didn’t used to like seafood, but now I eat it all the time.

10. We used to go to the beach every summer as kids.

Exercise 3: Choose the Correct Option

1. I __________ play video games when I was younger.
   a) used to
   b) use to

2. Did you __________ work late when you first started your job?
   a) used to
   b) use to

3. They __________ live in a small town before moving to the city.
   a) used to
   b) use to

4. We __________ spend a lot of time at the park during the summer.
   a) used to
   b) use to

5. He didn’t __________ enjoy fishing, but now it’s his favorite hobby.
   a) used to
   b) use to

6. I __________ read books every night before bed.
   a) used to
   b) use to

7. Did you __________ eat breakfast every day when you were in school?
   a) used to
   b) use to

8. She __________ be a gymnast, but now she does yoga.
   a) used to
   b) use to

9. We didn’t __________ go out much when we were younger.
   a) used to
   b) use to

10. I __________ write letters to my friend when I was in college.
    a) used to
    b) use to

Exercise 4: Rewrite the Sentences

1. I was accustomed to waking up early, but now I sleep in.

   • Rewrite using used to.

2. Did you have a habit of visiting the library often when you were younger?

   • Rewrite using use to.

3. She doesn’t like traveling, but she used to go on trips every year.

   • Rewrite using used to.

4. I didn’t understand science as a child, but now I enjoy it.

   • Rewrite using use to.

5. They used to play basketball every weekend, but now they prefer soccer.

   • Rewrite using used to.

Exercise 5: Fill in the Blanks (Used To or Use To)

1. I __________ take the bus to work, but now I drive.

2. Did you __________ go camping when you were younger?

3. He __________ run five miles every day, but now he only jogs.

4. We __________ go to that restaurant, but it closed down last year.

5. I didn’t __________ care about fashion, but now I’m more interested in it.

6. My mom __________ bake cookies every Sunday.

7. They __________ be best friends, but now they don’t talk much.

8. I didn’t __________ be afraid of public speaking, but now I enjoy it.

9. Did you __________ spend a lot of time on social media?

10. I __________ play the guitar, but I haven’t played in years.

Exercise 6: Create Your Own Sentences

1. Write a sentence using used to to describe something you did regularly in the past.

2. Write a sentence using use to in a question form.

3. Write a sentence using used to to describe something that no longer happens.

4. Write a sentence using use to to describe a past action you didn’t continue.

5. Create a sentence with used to about a past habit that has changed.

Conclusion

Getting the right usage of used to and use to is crucial for clear and correct communication. While both expressions might sound similar, they are used in different contexts, and knowing when to use each one will help you sound more confident in your writing and speaking.

Remember, used to refers to past habits or situations that no longer apply, while use to is only correct when following did or didn’t. By keeping these simple rules in mind, you can avoid common mistakes and ensure your grammar is on point.

As you continue to write and speak, practicing these distinctions will make you more aware of your grammar choices and improve your overall communication skills.