than I used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "than I used" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making a comparison regarding the amount or manner in which something was previously utilized. Example: "I prefer this method more than I used the previous one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

(a) Less than I used to.

The New Yorker

I'm now much more vocal than I used to be".

The Guardian

I'm less sentimental than I used to be, more transient.

The Guardian

No, but I'm more credible than I used to be.

The Guardian - Music

"I'm a lot better player than I used to be.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm much more boring than I used to be".

The New York Times - Sports

I think I'm tougher than I used to be".

The Guardian - Music

I'm much kinder about myself than I used to be".

The Guardian

I'm generally a lot jumpier than I used to be.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He does better things than I used to do".

The New York Times - Sports

I'm a lot nicer than I used to be.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "than I used", ensure the comparison is clear and logical. For example, "I am more confident now than I used to be" is clear, while "I prefer apples than I used" is incomplete.

Common error

Avoid using "than I used" without specifying what is being compared. For instance, instead of saying "I work harder than I used", clarify with "I work harder now than I used to work."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "than I used" functions as a comparative conjunction. It connects two parts of a sentence to indicate a change or difference over time. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in comparing feelings, behaviors, and abilities to past states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "than I used" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a comparison between a present state and a past one. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reliable sources, primarily within the news and media category. When using this phrase, ensure the comparison is clear and specific to avoid ambiguity. While versatile, consider formality levels depending on context. Remember that this phrase helps convey changes in habits, abilities, or feelings over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when compared with my past actions

Provides a direct comparison of current versus past behaviors.

compared to what I did before

Replaces "used" with a more explicit description of past actions.

unlike my habits from before

Uses a straightforward contrast using "unlike" to emphasize differences in habit.

in comparison to my former self

Highlights the personal transformation and contrasts the current state with a previous one.

as opposed to how I once did

Emphasizes the contrast between past and present actions with a more formal tone.

distinct from my previous ways

Highlights that a clear and noticeable change has occurred from previous manners.

differing from my previous behavior

Uses "differing" to underscore the alteration in conduct.

relative to my past habits

Focuses on habits as the point of comparison, suggesting a change in routine.

in contrast with how I operated earlier

Replaces "used" with "operated" and "earlier" for a more business-like nuance.

in contrast to my earlier lifestyle

Shifts the focus to encompass a broader range of lifestyle changes.

FAQs

How can I use "than I used" in a sentence?

Use "than I used" to compare a current state or action to a past state or action. For example, "I enjoy reading more now "than I used" to."

What's a more formal way to say "than I used"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "compared to my previous actions" or "relative to my past behavior" to provide a more formal tone "than I used".

Is it correct to say "than I use to" instead of "than I used to"?

No, the correct phrasing is "than I used to". "Used to" indicates a past habit or state, while "use to" doesn't convey the same meaning "than I used".

What's the difference between "than I used to" and "than I am now"?

"Than I used to" compares a current state to a past habit or state. "Than I am now" directly compares the current state to the present. For example, "I am taller than I used to be" (compared to my past height) vs. "I am taller than he is now" (compared to his current height) "than I used".