I used to hate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I used to hate" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is used to express that one had a negative feeling or attitude towards something in the past, but that feeling has changed or no longer exists in the present. Example: "I used to hate vegetables as a child, but now I eat them with every meal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I used to hate celery.

The New York Times - Magazine

I used to hate exams.

Independent

"I used to hate it," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

I used to hate shopping.

The Guardian - Money

I used to hate Labor Day tremendously.

The New York Times - Travel

I used to hate bio and chem.

The Guardian

"I used to hate grey," says Ogundehin.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And I used to hate Ruby Wax".

The Guardian

I used to hate my hair.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I used to hate Hun Sen," he says.

The Economist

"I used to hate it, and now I love it".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "I used to hate", ensure that the context clarifies what changed your perspective or feelings towards the subject. This adds depth and interest to your statement.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses when describing the shift in your feelings. If you're saying "I used to hate X", be clear about your current feeling. For example, don't say "I used to hate X, and now I am hating Y", instead use "I used to hate X, but now I love Y".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I used to hate" functions as a statement of past negative sentiment. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates a dislike that existed previously but does not persist in the present. It sets up a contrast between a former feeling and a current one.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I used to hate" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a past dislike that no longer exists. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, suggesting its usage is prevalent in general discourse. Understanding its purpose and usage patterns, especially when contrasting it with similar phrases, allows for more precise and impactful communication. Remember to maintain consistent tense usage and provide context for the shift in your feelings. By following these guidelines, you can effectively express your evolving perspectives and experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I used to dislike

This alternative is a milder form of expressing past aversion, softening the intensity of the sentiment.

I once detested

This alternative replaces "hate" with a stronger word, "detested", increasing the intensity of the expressed dislike.

I formerly loathed

This alternative uses the word "loathed", which is a strong synonym for hate, and "formerly" instead of "used to", creating a more formal tone.

I couldn't stand

This alternative expresses dislike in a more emphatic way, focusing on an inability to tolerate something.

I wasn't a fan of

This alternative is a more casual and less intense way of expressing past dislike.

I had an aversion to

This alternative expresses a strong dislike or disinclination towards something, often suggesting a more innate or psychological reason.

I used to resent

This alternative implies a feeling of bitterness or indignation towards something in the past.

I was never keen on

This alternative, common in British English, expresses a lack of enthusiasm or preference.

I didn't care for

This alternative is a polite and indirect way of expressing dislike.

I once had a distaste for

This alternative emphasizes a feeling of aversion or mild disgust.

FAQs

How can I use "I used to hate" in a sentence?

You can use "I used to hate" to express a past aversion or dislike that has since changed. For example, "I used to hate celery, but now I enjoy it in soups".

What is a more formal way to say "I used to hate"?

A more formal alternative to "I used to hate" could be "I formerly detested" or "I once loathed", depending on the intensity you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I used to hating"?

No, "I used to hating" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "I used to hate", where "hate" is the base form of the verb.

What's the difference between "I used to hate" and "I hated"?

"I hated" simply expresses that you disliked something in the past. "I used to hate" implies that you no longer feel that way, suggesting a change in your feelings.