used to

FORM: [used to + VERB]

Example:

• I used to go to the beach every day.

• Did you use to go to the beach every day? 
• You didn’t use to go to the beach.

USE 1 Habit in the Past

Used to expresses the idea that something was an old habit that stopped in the past. It indicates that something was often repeated in the past, but it is not usually done now.

Examples:

• Jerry used to study English.
• Christine used to eat meat, but now she is a vegetarian.
• I used to drink 15 to 20 cups of coffee every day.

USE 2 Past Facts and Generalizations

Used to can also be used to talk about past facts or generalizations which are no longer true.

Examples:

• Anne used to be fat, but now she is thin.
• George used to be the best student in class, but now Lena is the best.
• I used to be a complete coffee addict, but I don't drink much now.

Now watch this video and complete the gaps below:

Elizabeth used to___________a lot.

Pamela’s dad used to___________ a commercial traveller

Andrew used to___________a nice chilly lasagne.

Billie used to___________, but not at the moment.

Courtney used to___________ quiet, but now she is talkative.

Ingrid used to___________the flute.

Karina used to___________the piano.

Richard used to___________the guitar.

Mike used to___________ a programmer.

Neil used to___________ a lot of baseball.

Sue used to___________short hair.

Robin used to___________.

Rebecca used to___________pad.

Mia used to___________a tomboy.

Patricia used to___________English as a foreign language.


Just My Imagination (The Cranberries) - Select Intermediate Level and practice filling in the lyrics.