Used To for Past Tense
Learn how to use the use to in English to talk about things in the past.
Answer the following questions about the interview.
Used to + base verb
Use the modal used to when talking about past events that no longer occur.
Point 1: We often use used to when asked about present activities.
- (Q) Do you play golf?
(A) I used to play but not anymore. I don't have time.
- (Q) Do you play any instruments?
(A) Not really. I used to play the guitar but not anymore.
Point 2: We often use used to when asked about present activities. We often use the phrase not anymore to clarify that the action does not happen presently.
- (Q) Do you cook much?
(A) Not anymore. I used to though.
- (Q) Do you see your friend from school?
(A) Not really. We used to meet once a week but now we are too busy with life.
Point 3: We often use used to when asked about present activities.
In a Yes/No question, we can omit the verb and reply by with just used to followed by but and a reason.
- (Q) Do you study French?
(A) I used to but I gave up. - (Q) Do you you and your family travel much?
(A) We used to but now we don't have time.
About the Teacher
My name is Todd Beuckens and I am an ESL teacher in Thailand. I created this site to provide teachers and students free audio lessons and learning materials not usually found in commercial textbooks.