I used make

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I used make" is not correct in English.
It seems to be a mistake, possibly intended to be "I used to make." Example: "I used to make my own clothes when I was younger."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I used make-up and wigs and loads of different clothing to turn myself into these different characters, but my favorite stills are the ones where the whole character relies on a certain movement, like the way I've twisted my waist, which makes me look like a man.

Vice

You know, I used make-up and wigs and loads of different clothing to turn myself into these different characters, but my favourite stills are the ones where the whole character relies on a certain movement, like the way I've twisted my waist, which makes me look like a man.

Vice

"Kibbeh, and stuffed vegetables, these things that I used to make, I don't make any more.

The Guardian

It would take half a week to make what I used to make in a day.

Huffington Post

He said, "I used to make 50 bps, now I make what did he say?

Forbes

I used to make myself throw up.

Huffington Post

I have trouble with desserts, all cakes and baked goods and bread and I used to make them at home, I used to make a lot of cakes at home.

BMC Family Practice

I used to make capes and use the cardboard inside the fabric looms to make swords.

Huffington Post

"I used to make them mixtapes," Taffe recalls, "to give them a taste of the festival".

The Guardian - Music

I used to make meat loaf.

The New Yorker

I used to make the rules.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "I used to make" when referring to past habits or actions you no longer do. For example, "I used to make bread every week."

Common error

Don't omit the word "to" after "used" when describing past actions. Saying "I used make" is incorrect; instead, use "I used to make".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I used make" is typically intended to express a past habit or action. However, as Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "I used to make".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I used make" is grammatically incorrect. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, the proper way to express a past habit is "I used to make". Although "I used make" appears in some sources, primarily News & Media, its usage is infrequent and considered an error. Therefore, it's crucial to use the correct grammatical form to ensure clarity and avoid miscommunication. The most suitable alternatives are "I used to make", "I would make", or simply "I made", depending on the specific context. The Ludwig examples illustrate attempts to describe past actions, but highlight the importance of correct grammar.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I used to make

Corrects the grammatical error by including 'to' after 'used'.

I would make

Expresses a past habit or repeated action.

I made

States that you made something in the past.

I am accustomed to making

Indicates a familiarity or habit of making something.

I have made

Indicates that you have created something in the past and it might still be relevant.

I am in the habit of making

Indicates a regular routine of making something.

I am known to make

Suggests that others recognize you for making something.

I am prone to making

Suggests you often make something, with a hint of inclination.

I have a tendency to make

Indicates a natural inclination towards making something.

I am inclined to make

Indicates a willingness or preference to make something.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "I used make"?

The correct way to express a past habit is "I used to make". For example, "I used to make pottery in college."

What does "I used to make" mean?

The phrase "I used to make" signifies a past action or habit that is no longer practiced. It's similar to saying "I would make" but implies the action has stopped.

Can I say "I used making" instead of "I used to make"?

No, "I used making" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts. The correct form for a past habit is "I used to make". However, you can use "I am used to making", which means you are accustomed to doing something.

What can I say instead of "I used to make"?

You can use alternatives like "I would make", "I made", or "I am accustomed to making" depending on the context.