Using used to in English at Level B1

In this lesson, we will look at using Used to in English.

There two common meanings of used to

1. Use(d) +infinitive is used to talk about repeated actions/states in the past.
I used to smoke (i.e. I did smoke, now I don’t)

2. To be +used to + noun/verb+ing is used instead of ‘accustomed to’
I am used to working night shifts (i.e. I am accustomed to it)

Use(d) + infinitive

• She used to live in England (she lived in England one time but doesn’t anymore)
• It used to rain a lot more in New Zealand (It doesn’t rain as much anymore)
• Students didn’t use to be so defiant (one time students were less defiant)

Affirmative

Negative

Question

To be + used to + -ing

• I am used to getting up at 6am now (I am accustomed to it)
• She is not used to working night shifts (she’s not accustomed to it)
• Are you used to driving overseas? (are you accustomed to it?)

Affirmative

Negative

Question

Some example sentences using USED TO:

• They used to live in the city, but now they’ve moved to the countryside.
• I used to have a favourite pen, but I lost it a few years ago.
• I always used to walk to school when I was a child.
• I never used to like coffee, but now I can’t start the day without a cup.

Pronunciation
The pronunciation of ‘used to’ above is the same for both meanings, and is pronounced as yoost to or /juːstə/

Now test your skills with the exercise on using used to in English the next page.