Understanding “Used To” – A Complete Guide to Semi-Modal Verbs in English

Modal and semi-modal verbs are essential for expressing habits, abilities, and past behaviors. Among these, “used to” is a unique structure that helps talk about past habits or states that no longer exist. In Hindi, it translates to “करता था/करती थी” (karta tha/karti thi) or “हुआ करता था” (hua karta tha).

Meaning and Usage of “Used To”

“Used to” is used to express:

1. Past habits (पुरानी आदतें)
2. Situations that existed in the past but not now (अतीत की स्थितियाँ)
3. Repeated actions in the past (अतीत में दोहराए जाने वाले कार्य)

Structure:

Subject + used to + base form of verb (V1) + object

Examples:

• I used to play cricket every day. (मैं रोज़ क्रिकेट खेला करता था।)
• She used to live in Delhi. (वह दिल्ली में रहा करती थी।)

When to Use “Used To”?

1. Past Habits (No Longer Continued)
   He used to smoke, but he quit last year.
   (वह धूम्रपान करता था, लेकिन उसने पिछले साल छोड़ दिया।)
2. Past States/Situations
   There used to be a park here.
   (यहाँ एक पार्क हुआ करता था।)
3. Regular Past Actions
   We used to visit our grandparents every summer.
   (हम हर गर्मी में अपने दादा-दादी के पास जाया करते थे।)

Difference Between “Used To” and Similar Structures

Structure	Usage	Example
Used to	Past habits no longer true	I used to dance. (मैं नाचता था।)
Would	Only for repeated past actions (not states)	We would play chess. (हम शतरंज खेलते थे।)
Simple Past	Single/completed past actions	I danced yesterday. (मैंने कल नाचा।)

15 Examples of “Used To” (English & Hindi)

S.No.	English Sentence	Hindi Translation
1.	I used to wake up early.	मैं जल्दी उठा करता था।
2.	She used to wear glasses.	वह चश्मा पहनती थी।
3.	We used to go to the beach every weekend.	हम हर हफ्ते के अंत में समुद्र तट जाया करते थे।
4.	He used to work in a bank.	वह बैंक में काम करता था।
5.	They used to have a big garden.	उनके पास बड़ा बगीचा हुआ करता था।
6.	You used to tell great stories.	तुम बढ़िया कहानियाँ सुनाया करते थे।
7.	My father used to drive a scooter.	मेरे पिता स्कूटर चलाया करते थे।
8.	This place used to be quiet.	यह जगह शांत हुआ करती थी।
9.	Children used to play outside more.	बच्चे पहले बाहर अधिक खेला करते थे।
10.	I used to hate vegetables.	मुझे सब्जियाँ नापसंद थीं।
11.	She used to study French.	वह फ्रेंच पढ़ा करती थी।
12.	We used to celebrate Diwali together.	हम दिवाली साथ मनाया करते थे।
13.	He used to call me every day.	वह मुझे रोज़ फोन करता था।
14.	There used to be a temple here.	यहाँ एक मंदिर हुआ करता था।
15.	You used to help me with homework.	तुम मेरी होमवर्क में मदद करते थे।

Special Cases and Exceptions

1. Negative Form (“Didn’t use to”)
   I didn’t use to like coffee.
   (मुझे कॉफी पसंद नहीं थी।)
2. Question Form (“Did…use to?”)
   Did you use to swim here?
   (क्या तुम यहाँ तैरते थे?)
3. Not Used for Single Past Actions
   Incorrect: I used to go to Paris last year.
   Correct: I went to Paris last year.

Conclusion

“Used to” is an invaluable structure for talking about past habits, repeated actions, and situations that have changed. Unlike the simple past tense, it specifically highlights actions or states that were true in the past but aren’t true anymore. Mastering “used to” will help you describe your past experiences and changes more effectively in both English and Hindi.

Remember: Use “used to” for past habits, “would” for repeated past actions (not states), and simple past for single completed actions! 😊