Complete Guide to Using “I used to + (verb)” in English

The phrase “I used to + verb” is used to describe past habits or states that are no longer true in the present. This construction helps contrast past routines with current situations.

“I used to” Usage Examples

Sno	English Example	Hindi Translation	Context Type
1	I used to develop websites.	मैं वेबसाइट्स डेवलप किया करता था/करती थी।	Past profession
2	I used to jog every day.	मैं रोज दौड़ा करता था/करती थी।	Past habit
3	I used to paint.	मैं पेंट किया करता था/करती थी।	Past hobby
4	I used to smoke.	मैं सिगरेट पीता था/पीती थी।	Past habit (stopped)
5	I used to work from home.	मैं घर से काम किया करता था/करती थी।	Past work arrangement
6	I used to live in California.	मैं कैलिफोर्निया में रहता था/रहती थी।	Past residence
7	I used to go to the beach daily.	मैं रोज बीच पर जाया करता था/करती थी।	Past routine
8	I used to sing in a choir.	मैं कोर में गाया करता था/करती थी।	Past activity
9	I used to like vegetables.	मुझे सब्जियाँ पसंद थीं।	Past preference
10	I used to start work at 6 AM.	मैं सुबह 6 बजे काम शुरू किया करता था/करती थी।	Past schedule
11	I used to play tennis.	मैं टेनिस खेला करता था/करती थी।	Past sport
12	I used to watch cartoons.	मैं कार्टून देखा करता था/करती थी।	Childhood habit
13	I used to drink coffee.	मैं कॉफी पिया करता था/करती थी।	Past consumption
14	I used to be shy.	मैं शर्मीला/शर्मीली हुआ करता था/करती थी।	Past characteristic
15	I used to have long hair.	मेरे बाल लंबे हुआ करते थे।	Past appearance
16	I used to believe that.	मैं उस पर विश्वास किया करता था/करती थी।	Past belief
17	I used to travel frequently.	मैं अक्सर यात्रा किया करता था/करती थी।	Past routine
18	I used to eat meat.	मैं मांस खाया करता था/करती थी।	Past diet
19	I used to study French.	मैं फ्रेंच पढ़ा करता था/करती थी।	Past education
20	I used to wake up late.	मैं देर से उठा करता था/करती थी।	Past habit

Key Grammar Rules

1. Structure:
   • Always use “used to” + base form of verb
   • Correct: “I used to play”
   • Incorrect: “I used to played”
2. When to Use:
   • Past habits that no longer continue
   • Past states that have changed
   • Repeated actions in the past
3. Negative Form:
   • “I didn’t use to” (not “I used not to”)
   • Example: “I didn’t use to like coffee”
4. Question Form:
   • “Did you use to…?”
   • Example: “Did you use to swim every day?”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ “I use to go there”
✅ “I used to go there” (past tense required)

❌ “I used to waking up early”
✅ “I used to wake up early” (base verb form)

❌ “I am used to play tennis” (confusing with “be used to”)
✅ “I used to play tennis”

Practice Exercises

1. Share discontinued habits: “I used to ______”
2. Contrast past and present: “I used to ______, but now I ______”
3. Ask about past routines: “Did you use to ______?”