Used to: previous habit/accustomed

by | 13 Sep 2020 | General English, Grammar

We say ‘used to’ commonly in English in two situations

‘Used to’ is a common expression to describe a previous habit or behaviour:

 

 

When describing a previous habit or behaviour, we are talking about something that happened repeatedly or for a period of time.

 

repeated behaviour/activity

 

 

I used to smoke when I was younger

I used to run every day.

It used to snow every winter in London.

 

period of time

 

 

When talking about a previous habit we use ‘used to’ + infinitive.

I used to work in London. 

I used to speak English when I was a child. 

I used to believe in ghosts.

 

‘Used to’ is also used to describe something that we are accustomed to:

 

 

When talking about being accustomed to something we use ‘verb+ing’ after ‘used to’.

 

They are used to climbing as they climb every day.

We are used to speaking English after learning for years.

The police are used to dealing with the public, I would not worry.

 

Describing the future

 

When describing the process of becoming accustomed to something we use ‘get used to’:

 

My teacher says that by watching TV and films in English, my listening skills will improve as I will get used to the sound of the English language.

After the building work stops, we will get used to the new layout.

That’s the way it get used to it! (imperative)

 

The general situation and beliefs

After living in the north of Europe in winter, you get used to cold weather.

After climbing a tree every day for a month, you get used to climbing trees.

Tell your children that they will get used to eating greens with every meal.

 

______

what about you?

 

 

What have you got used to?

What did you use to do?

 

______

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