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

My sister didn’t ___ drink coffee, but now she loves it.

a.
was used to
b.
used to
c.
use to
2

They ___ living in a big city, so they don’t mind the noise.

a.
are used to
b.
were used to
c.
used to
3

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

a.
went
b.
were going
c.
used to go
4

She ___ hate vegetables, but now she eats them every day.

a.
is used to
b.
used to
c.
was used to
5

I ___ sleeping early, so I struggle to wake up early.

a.
used to
b.
am used to
c.
was used to
6

My brother ___ work long hours when he was a doctor.

a.
used to
b.
was used to
c.
is used to
7

We ___ take long road trips before we had kids.

a.
were used to
b.
used to
c.
are used to
8

A: Did you use to live near the beach?B: No, I ___ there before.

a.
used to not live
b.
wasn’t used to living
c.
didn’t use to live
9

She ___ afraid of heights, but now she enjoys climbing.

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