I used to stop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I used to stop" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a past habit or action that is no longer done. Example: "I used to stop by the café every morning before work, but now I make my coffee at home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"I used to stop Bombay city.

The Guardian

The zone was there: not the gauzy, moist shiny area where I used to stop but a step above.

The New Yorker

I used to stop and sleep in the car, have a biscuit and a drop of wine, and go on.

The Guardian - Books

I used to stop by a local bar for a relaxing drink in the evening and now it is sports on a half dozen TV sets and screaming.

Harvard University

The art gallery was not far from my junior high, and I used to stop by after class and hang out.

The New Yorker

And I used to stop them because I was fundamentally worried that we would have a lot of mess or that I would arrive late at work.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"I remember time used to stop when 'Blood and Sand' would come on TV," Dadigan recalled.

Los Angeles Times

Internally, I was searching for the words I could use to stop him stop touching me, get off but all I had in my English repertoire were things like, "The restaurant is on the left side of this street.

Vice

I used to sometimes stop in and have tea with her.

The New York Times

I used to only stop at the balance sheet, the P&L statement but since going to FANE I have been able to go beyond that.

Columbia University

"I used to try to stop him but now I don't bother," said the son.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I used to stop" to clearly indicate a past habit or action that is no longer practiced. This phrase is suitable for a variety of contexts, from personal anecdotes to more formal writing.

Common error

Avoid confusing "I used to stop" with similar phrases like "I am used to stopping." The former indicates a past habit, while the latter means you are accustomed to the action in the present. Correct usage is crucial for clear communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I used to stop" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past habit or action that is no longer performed. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I used to stop" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express a past habit or action that has been discontinued. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and versatile. It is most frequently found in news and media, but also appears in academic and business contexts. When writing, ensure that you're clearly conveying a past habit that is no longer current, avoiding confusion with similar constructions. Alternatives such as "I once stopped" or "I formerly stopped" can be used for variety, but maintain a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I once stopped

Uses "once" to indicate a past action that is no longer performed.

I would stop

Expresses a past habit or routine, similar to "used to".

I formerly stopped

Uses "formerly" to indicate a past action or state.

I previously stopped

Emphasizes that the action occurred before the present time.

I habitually stopped

Highlights the repetitive nature of the past action.

I discontinued stopping

Focuses on the cessation of the action.

I ceased stopping

Similar to discontinued, but may imply a more abrupt end.

I no longer stop

States the absence of the action in the present.

I don't stop anymore

Informal way to express the absence of the action in the present.

Stopping is no longer my habit

Rephrases the idea to emphasize the change in habit.

FAQs

What's the difference between "I used to stop" and "I would stop"?

Both phrases describe past habits, but "I used to stop" implies the habit is completely discontinued, while "I would stop" can sometimes suggest the habit might still occur occasionally. Context is key to understanding the subtle difference.

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

You can use alternatives like "I once stopped", "I formerly stopped", or "I previously stopped" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "I used to stopped" grammatically correct?

No, "I used to stopped" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "I used to stop". The "to" is part of the infinitive form of the verb, and doesn't require an additional past tense marker.

How do I use "I used to stop" in a sentence?

Use "I used to stop" to describe a past habit or action that you no longer do. For example, "I used to stop at that coffee shop every morning, but now I make coffee at home."