In English, the phrase 'used to' is a commonly used expression that has a specific grammatical function. It is used to talk about past habits or actions that are no longer true or no longer relevant in the present. 'Used to' is an important phrase to learn and understand as it is frequently used in both spoken and written English. In this lesson, we will explore the various ways in which 'used to' is used and provide examples for better comprehension.
Definition of 'Used To'
Définition
'Used To'
'Used to' is a phrase that indicates a previous state or action that existed or occurred regularly in the past but no longer happens in the present.
When using 'used to', it is important to remember that it is always followed by the base form of the verb. The negative form of 'used to' is 'didn't use to'.
Usage of 'Used To'
1. Talking about past habits:
'Used to' is commonly used to describe actions or routines that were done repeatedly in the past but have now ceased. It suggests that the action was a regular occurrence in the past but is no longer the case in the present.
Example:
'I used to play football every Saturday when I was younger.'
2. Talking about past states or conditions:
'Used to' can also be used to express a previous state or condition that was true in the past but has since changed or no longer applies.
Example:
'Emma used to live in London, but she moved to New York last year.'
Summary
A retenir :
In summary, 'used to' is a phrase used to describe past habits or actions that are no longer true or relevant in the present. It is followed by the base form of the verb and can be used to talk about past routines or states. Remember to use 'used to' when discussing past habits or actions that are not true anymore.
