These "used to" exercises are prepared in a multiple questions test format. Check the explanations tab for examples, structure, and usage tips. Also, "used to be" worksheets can be downloaded for free in PDF and Word formats.
Published At: 4/23/2025, 12:13:05 AM
EXERCISE
EXPLANATION
Used To for Past Routines and States
The expression used to is commonly used in English to talk about past habits or states that no longer happen or are no longer true. It's useful for talking about the way things were in the past compared to how they are now.
Used to - Grammar Chart
Function
Structure
Example
Affirmative
Subject + used to + base verb
She used to live in London.
Negative
Subject + didn’t use to + base verb
He didn’t use to play football.
Question
Did + subject + use to + base verb?
Did you use to go there?
When Do We Use "Used To"?
We use used to to talk about things that were true in the past but are not true now.
Past habits: I used to walk to school every day.
Past states: There used to be a cinema here.
Forming Negatives and Questions
In negative sentences and questions, we use didn’t use to and Did ... use to. Note that the verb changes from used to use because of the auxiliary verb did.
Common Mistakes
❌ He used to didn’t like vegetables. ✅ He didn’t use to like vegetables.
❌ Did you used to play the piano? ✅ Did you use to play the piano?
Quick Tips
"Used to" is only for the past. Don’t use it for present habits — use the Present Simple instead.
In negatives and questions, drop the "d": use use to, not used to.
If you want to talk about current habits, say: I usually go to the gym, not I used to go to the gym.