this used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this used" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to refer to something that has been utilized or employed, but it lacks context to be properly understood. Example: "This used item is still in good condition."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This used to be in the villages.

Independent

"And this used to be a bordello".

The New Yorker

"This used to be an event.

Independent

"This used to be major, major surgery".

The New York Times

This used to be the consensus view.

The Economist

This used to be known as "spoiling".

The New Yorker

This used to drive Edmund Wilson crazy.

The New York Times - Books

"This used to be our storage area.

The New Yorker

This used to be called usury.

The New York Times

This used to be guy season.

The New York Times

"This used to be cypress trees, here.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always complete the phrase with a verb or noun phrase to provide context and meaning. For example, "This used to be a park."

Common error

Avoid using "this used" without a clear continuation. It leaves the reader wondering what you intended to say about the subject. Ensure a verb follows to clarify the past state or action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this used" functions as an incomplete demonstrative phrase. It points to something specific and indicates that it was utilized or existed in a certain way in the past. To be grammatically correct it requires to be followed by additional words to form a full sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is incorrect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "this used" appears frequently, it is grammatically incomplete and requires further words for correct usage. It serves to reference an object or idea while indicating a past action, state, or condition. According to Ludwig AI, without completion the phrase does not convey a clear meaning. It is most commonly found in News & Media sources and typically carries a neutral tone. Always follow "this used" with a verb or noun to create a complete sentence. For instance, "This used to be my favorite spot."

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

used to be this

Reverses the order, focusing on the past state of "this".

this once was

Emphasizes a former condition or state, creating a slightly more formal tone.

this previously was

Uses "previously" to highlight that something was in a specific state before.

this had been

Emphasizes that 'this' experienced a past state.

this formerly existed as

A more formal way of stating that something existed in a certain form.

this earlier functioned as

Focuses on the past function of something.

this at one time served as

Highlights that something used to serve a particular purpose.

this in the past constituted

A formal way of saying something used to make up something else.

this was in the old days

Uses an idiomatic phrase to emphasize the time difference.

this back then was

Uses "back then" to highlight a past state.

FAQs

How can I properly use the phrase "this used" in a sentence?

The phrase "this used" requires a completion to make sense. For example, you might say "This used to be a quiet street" or "This used method is outdated".

What are some alternative phrases to "this used to be"?

Alternatives include "this once was", "this previously was", or "used to be this", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say only "this used"?

No, "this used" is grammatically incomplete. It requires a verb or noun phrase to follow in order to form a complete and meaningful sentence.

What's the difference between "this used to be" and "this is"?

"This used to be" indicates a past state or condition that is no longer true, while "this is" indicates a current state or condition. For example, "This used to be a forest" implies that it is no longer a forest, while "this is a forest" means it is currently a forest.