Today’s topic is one that I found curious, and think you might, too.
When do you use used to and when is it use to? Both statements are used when speaking about something done in the past and both are followed by an infinitive in a sentence.
It’s amazingly simple!
When used in a positive sentence, it’s used to; when used in a negative sentence (with didn’t), or as part of a question, it’s use to.
What do I mean by that?
Positive sentence examples:
- The dog used to bark at every person passing by.
- We used to go camping for two weeks every year.
- I used to candlepin bowl every weekend.
- He knows there used to be a convenient store on the corner.
- She used to love living in the city.
Negative and question-form sentence examples:
- The cat didn’t use to scratch the furniture.
- We didn’t use to walk on the beach.
- What beach did you use to go to?
- I didn’t use to grow my own vegetables.
- There didn’t use to be a donut shop on the corner.
- What color house use to be on the corner?
- He didn’t use to hate commuting to work.
- Where did you use to commute from?
With “didn’t” (a ‘d’ word) or as part of a question, it’s use to (without a ‘d’); otherwise, it’s use to.
What other grammar topics would you like to see covered?
Lisa J. Jackson is an independent writer and editor who enjoys working with manufacturing, software, and technology businesses of all sizes. She loves researching topics, interviewing experts, and helping companies tell their stories. You can connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
not always true though
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I just wanted to let you know that I repressed this to my site, I also love your tips on writing. I find them to be very helpful. Thanks for sharing
I never really thought about this. I guess in speaking it just came naturally, and maybe it didn’t come up in writing. Thanks for the explanation.
I admit I just try to avoid the phrase altogether in writing, although I might say it in conversation. In the positive form, I would say “She once loved living in the city.” In the negative, “The cat didn’t always scratch the furniture” would make a good alternative. It is an awkward construction… is there a history behind its use? Or a reason as to the negative/question vs. positive construction?
Thanks, we do say it naturally when speaking, but I like your alternatives that flow better in writing.
Thanks. Actually, another grammar usage question quite similar to “use to” vs. “used to” is “suppose to” vs. “supposed to.” Equally awkward in written English but rather commonly used, as in “She was supposed to do it” (I think). 🙂 Or maybe it is always “supposed to” … or maybe it is always incorrect?
I think it’s always “supposed to”, isn’t it?
Hi Sarah and Bea — you’re right, it’s always “supposed to”.
This somehow confused me.
Thank you for these reviews, Lisa. My question: ‘ten pairs of socks’; or, ‘ten pair of socks’?
Hi Henrietta, it’s “pairs” — plural with the ‘s’ when referring to multiples (same with 5 pairs of pants, 7 pairs of gloves, etc.) 🙂 Thanks for the question!
Okay, thank you!
Thanks for the post, I was actually just thinking about this the other day. I’m glad to know I wasn’t crazy to think there was a difference (even if it is only slight).
Fantastic!
The “used to use to” blog post was very helpful and then, I love the numbered list like examples. Thanks, Lisa J. Jackson!
Reblogged this on UDAYOLOGY and commented:
I know I haven’t had a Know Thy English for so long. This is an interesting confusion that even I used to face… 🙂
Thank you. Appreciate the blog and reminder.
Always good to get reminders. Thanks.
I didn’t use(d) to argue about such things but…
I use to not question myself about this but now I know better. Good read, as always!
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Negative and Positive words used with, such as when using Nor versus Or!
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Thanks very much for your explanation! I just can’t quite understand your next-to-last sentence no matter how many times I read it: “With “didn’t” (a ‘d’ word) or as part of a question, it’s use to (without a ‘d’); otherwise, it’s use to.” What am I missing?
Thanks!