i used to work

USAGE SUMMARY

"I used to work" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to talk about a past regular or habitual action that is no longer true in the present. Example: "I used to work as a teacher, but now I am a writer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I used to work very long hours.

The New York Times

"I used to work in nursing homes.

The New York Times

I used to work at the Met.

The New York Times

I used to work in retail.

The New York Times

I used to work in it.

The Guardian

I used to work on that floor".

The New York Times

"I used to work in an office.

The New York Times

I used to work in a mine.

The Guardian

I Used to Work for Google.

The New York Times

I used to work in a factory.

The Washington Post

I used to work underground myself.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I used to work" to clearly indicate a past job or role that you no longer hold. It is concise and widely understood.

Common error

Avoid mixing up "used to" with "use to". "Use to" without the 'd' is grammatically incorrect in this context. "I am used to working" has a different meaning, indicating something you are accustomed to, not a past job.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I used to work" functions as a declarative statement expressing a past habitual action or state. It clearly indicates that the speaker previously held a job or performed work that is no longer current. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I used to work" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a past occupation or activity. As Ludwig AI highlights, it indicates something you regularly did in the past that you no longer do. Examples from Ludwig show its use across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, scientific publications, and formal business communications. Remember to avoid confusing it with similar structures like "I am used to working", which has a different meaning. By understanding its proper usage, you can effectively communicate your past work experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i formerly worked

Uses "formerly" to indicate a past working status, emphasizing the change.

i previously worked

Replaces "used to" with "previously" maintaining a similar meaning.

i once worked

Emphasizes a single instance of past employment.

i have worked in the past

More explicit about the time frame, less idiomatic.

i was employed before

Focuses on the state of being employed at a prior time.

my past employment included

More formal phrasing.

in the past, i worked

Inverts the sentence structure, emphasizing the past.

earlier in my career, i worked

Specifies the past experience within a professional context.

prior to this, i worked

Indicates a sequence of events, with the working experience preceding the current situation.

i am a former employee

Focuses on the current state of being a former employee.

FAQs

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

Use "I used to work" to describe a job or activity you regularly did in the past but no longer do. For example, "I used to work as a teacher before becoming a writer."

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

You can use alternatives like "I formerly worked", "I previously worked", or "I once worked" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I used to work" or "I use to work"?

"I used to work" is correct. "Use to" without the 'd' is grammatically incorrect when describing a past habit or job. "I am used to working" is different; it means you are accustomed to working.

What's the difference between "I used to work" and "I'm used to working"?

"I used to work" means you worked in the past but don't anymore. "I'm used to working" means you are accustomed or comfortable with working, often implying long hours or difficult conditions.