In English, the structure “used to” is commonly used to describe past habits or states that no longer exist in the present. Although it is a familiar structure in everyday communication and frequently appears in IELTS tests, many learners still confuse it with similar structures such as “be used to” or “get used to.”
This article will help you fully understand what “used to” means, how to use it in practice, and how to distinguish it from similar structures.
1. What Does “Used to” Mean?
Used to is used to describe a habit, action, or state that happened in the past but no longer occurs now. In other words, it emphasises that something was true before but has since changed.
Habits: repeated actions in the past
States: past situations, feelings, or facts
In Vietnamese, used to can be translated as “đã từng” or “trước đây thường.”
Examples
I used to play football every weekend when I was a child.
She used to be very shy.
2. Formulas and Usage of “Used to”
Depending on the purpose, used to can be used in affirmative, negative, or interrogative sentences.
2.1 Affirmative Form
This form is used to describe past habits or states.
Structure | Meaning | Example |
S + used to + V (bare infinitive) | Past habit/action no longer true | I used to play football every weekend. |
S + used to + be + N/Adj | Past state | She used to be very shy. |
2.2 Negative Form
Used to describe things that did not happen in the past.
Structure | Meaning | Example |
S + did not use to + V | Action did not happen in the past | I didn’t use to like coffee. |
S + never used to + V | Emphasises no past habit | I never used to wake up early. |
2.3 Interrogative Form
Used to ask about past habits or states.
Structure | Meaning | Example |
Did + S + use to + V? | Ask about past habit | Did you use to live here? |
Wh + did + S + use to + V? | Ask for details | Where did you use to study? |
Notes
After used to, always use the bare infinitive (V-inf)
In negative and question forms, “used” becomes “use” because of the auxiliary did
3. Using “Used to” in IELTS
The structure used to is very useful in IELTS because it helps you describe changes between the past and present, making your answers more meaningful and detailed.
3.1 IELTS Speaking
In Speaking, used to is often used when talking about:
childhood habits
lifestyle changes
past experiences
Example
Question: Do you still play the same sports as you did when you were a child?
Answer:
Actually, no. I used to play football every afternoon with my neighbours. However, now I have a busy schedule, so I prefer jogging because it’s more flexible.
3.2 IELTS Writing
Although used to is less formal, it can still be used in appropriate contexts.
Writing Task 1 (Maps or trends over time)
The area where the park is now located used to be a wasteland.
Writing Task 2 (Social changes)
People used to rely on traditional mail to communicate. However, the internet has transformed the way we stay in touch.
4. Differences: Used to vs Be Used to vs Get Used to
These three structures are often confused because they look similar but have different meanings and uses.
4.1 Comparison Table
Structure | Meaning | Formula | Example |
Used to + V | Past habit/state (no longer true) | S + used to + V | I used to play football. |
Be used to + V-ing/N | Be familiar with something | S + be + used to + V-ing/N | I am used to waking up early. |
Get used to + V-ing/N | Become accustomed to something | S + get + used to + V-ing/N | She is getting used to city life. |
4.2 Detailed Explanation
Used to + V
Describes past habits or states that no longer exist
Example:
I used to stay up late, but now I go to bed early.
Be used to + V-ing/Noun
Means being familiar or comfortable with something
Example:
I am used to the heavy traffic in Ho Chi Minh City.
I am used to working late at night.
Get used to + V-ing/Noun
Describes the process of becoming familiar with something
Example:
I am getting used to living alone.
It took me weeks to get used to the new schedule.
5. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
5.1 Incorrect Verb Form in Negative and Questions
❌ I didn’t used to like broccoli. ❌ Did you used to play piano?
✅ I didn’t use to like broccoli. ✅ Did you use to play piano?
👉 After did/didn’t, use the base form “use”, not “used”
5.2 Confusing with “Be used to” / “Get used to”
❌ I am used to wake up early. ✅ I am used to waking up early.
👉 After be used to / get used to, always use V-ing or a noun
5.3 Using “Used to” for Present Habits
❌ I use to go to the gym every day.
✅ I usually go to the gym every day.
👉 “Used to” is only for the past, not present habits
6. Practice Exercises (With Answers)
Exercise 1
Rewrite the sentences using used to
Example:
I often went swimming when I was a child. → I used to go swimming when I was a child.
Exercise 2
Fill in the correct form:
used to walk
getting used to waking
use to play
didn’t use to like
is used to travelling
get used to driving
used to be
Are
didn’t use to have
am used to speaking
Practise “Used to” to Improve Your IELTS Score
Through this article, you should now have a clear understanding of:
the meaning of used to
its structures and usage
differences from be used to and get used to
common mistakes to avoid
To master this structure, you should practise regularly and apply it to familiar topics such as:
childhood
lifestyle
personal experiences
This will not only help you remember the structure but also improve your fluency and accuracy in both speaking and writing.
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