Used To Exercises

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.

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.
Exercises
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Choose the correct option to complete the Used To Exercises below.
1

They ___ live near the beach, but they moved.

a.
were used to
b.
used to
c.
are used to
2

My father ___ drive an old truck when I was young.

a.
used to
b.
was used to
c.
has used to
3

We ___ wake up early for school, and I hated it!

a.
are used to
b.
used to
c.
were used to
4

I ___ eating spicy food. Now I love it!

a.
am used to
b.
didn’t use to
c.
wasn’t used to
5

My uncle ___ in a factory before he retired.

a.
was used to working
b.
use to work
c.
used to work
6

A: Where did you use to go on holiday?B: We always ___ to the mountains.

a.
used to go
b.
were going
c.
went
7

He didn’t ___ eat fish, but now he enjoys it.

a.
use to
b.
was used to
c.
used to
8

I ___ scared of dogs, but now I love them.

a.
was used to
b.
used to be
c.
am used to
9

They ___ play football in the park after school.

a.
were used to
b.
have used to
c.
used to
10

My brother ___ driving in the city, so he isn’t nervous.

a.
was used to
b.
used to
c.
is used to
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