Modal verb used to
Modals
1. The modal verb: used to
Used to is a modal verb that refers to past actions which no longer occur in the present.
I used to sing in a choir when I was young.
I didn't use to like gardening.
2. Structure of used to
| Structure | Examples | |
|---|---|---|
| AFFIRMATIVE | Subject + USED TO + infinitive | Samuel used to play basketball when he was at school |
| NEGATIVE | Subject + DIDN'T + USE TO + infinitive | He didn't use to study before an exam but now he does |
| INTERROGATIVE | DID + subject + USE TO + infinitive...? | Did you use to go to pubs when you were in London? |
Remember that used to is a modal verb that is always in simple past.
3. How do we use the modal verb used to?
- Used to usually refers to those actions that took place in the past and no longer occur in the present.
I used to go swimming but now I don't.
Did you use to read a lot at my age?
Remember!
Used to is a modal verb that refers to past actions which no longer occur in the present.
| Structure | Examples | |
|---|---|---|
| AFFIRMATIVE | Subject + USED TO + infinitive | She used to live in Boston but now she has moved to New York |
| NEGATIVE | Subject + DIDN'T + USE TO + infinitive | We didn't use to travel in summer but now we do |
| INTERROGATIVE | DID + subject + USE TO + infinitive...? | Did you use to go to bed late? |