really used to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really used to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to talk about something that was once done that is not done anymore. For example, "He really used to like taking long walks in the park, but now that he's older he's not able to do that anymore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Democracy can be like that, only us Iranians aren't really used to it.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We're not really used to that".

The New York Times - Sports

"You could get really used to this".

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm not really used to do that".

The Guardian - Sport

Things really used to be like this.

The New Yorker

I'm not really used to that.

The New York Times - Sports

We aren't really used to that exchange onscreen.

The New Yorker

I really used to see them behind the chair.

The Guardian - Film

Did he really used to work as a professional wrestler?

The Guardian

"It's a way of life you get really used to".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Williams would later claim that even as a teenager, Monk ­ really used to blow on piano...

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing past habits, ensure that the context clearly indicates that the action is no longer a current practice. For example, "I "really used to" enjoy playing the piano, but I haven't had time recently".

Common error

Avoid writing "use to" when you mean "used to". "Use to" is grammatically incorrect when describing past habits. Remember to include the 'd' at the end.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really used to" functions as a past habitual aspect marker, indicating an action or state that was a regular occurrence in the past but is no longer true. Ludwig confirms the phrase's correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "really used to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express past habits or states that no longer hold true. Ludwig confirms its correct and frequent usage across various contexts. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the addition of "really" emphasizes the genuineness and consistency of the past action. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies that the action is no longer current, and avoid the common mistake of writing "use to" instead of "used to". Consider enriching your writing by using alternatives like "genuinely accustomed to" or "truly familiar with" for variety and emphasis. By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate past habits and states with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

truly familiar with

Highlights the depth of familiarity.

genuinely accustomed to

Emphasizes the authenticity of being accustomed.

honestly habituated to

Stresses the sincerity of the habit.

absolutely in the habit of

Emphasizes the absolute nature of the habit.

completely in the practice of

Focuses on the practice aspect of the habit.

definitely in the custom of

Highlights the customary nature of the habit.

sincerely wont to

A more formal and less common way to express a past habit with sincerity.

indisputably in the routine of

Emphasizes the routine aspect of a past habit without any doubt.

veritably inclined to

A more formal alternative indicating a true inclination.

certainly prone to

Focuses on the tendency or proneness to do something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "really used to" indicates a past habit or state that is no longer true. For example, "I "really used to" enjoy playing the piano, but I haven't had time recently".

What does "really used to" mean?

The phrase "really used to" means that something was a genuine and consistent habit or state in the past, but it is not anymore. It emphasizes the past nature of the action or state.

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

You can use alternatives like "genuinely accustomed to", "truly familiar with", or "honestly habituated to" depending on the context.

How does "really used to" differ from "used to"?

Adding "really" to "used to" intensifies the meaning, emphasizing the genuine and habitual nature of the past action or state. It conveys a stronger sense of past routine or familiarity.