use to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "use to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that was done in the past but is not done now. For example, "I used to go out every weekend, but now I prefer to stay at home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

might use to get back his consensus.

The New Yorker

Use to line the dish.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I didn't use to be".

The New Yorker

It didn't use to be.

The Guardian - Music

What did they use to do it?

The Guardian

"He use to be a keen camper.

The Guardian

This did not use to happen.

The New York Times

I'd rather be some use to somebody.

The New Yorker

I didn't use to think that.

The New Yorker

He didn't use to be this way".

The New Yorker

"She's of no use to me".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating past habits or states that are no longer true, use "used to" or "use to" followed by the base form of the verb. For example, "I used to play soccer every day" implies that you no longer play soccer daily.

Common error

Remember to include the 'd' at the end of "used" when referring to past habits. Omitting the 'd' can change the meaning or make the sentence grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "use to", or more correctly, "used to", functions as an auxiliary verb phrase to indicate a past action, habit, or state that is no longer true in the present. Ludwig AI confirms this usage and provides various real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

30%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "use to", more correctly written as "used to", is a common and acceptable way to indicate a past habit or state. As Ludwig AI points out, the key is to remember the 'd' at the end of "used" when referring to past habits. While "used to" is widely used in various contexts, including news, media, and informal communication, it's important to avoid misspelling it. By keeping these guidelines in mind, you can effectively communicate changes over time and provide context to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

used to

Corrects a common misspelling of the phrase, ensuring proper grammatical form.

accustomed to

Indicates a state of being familiar or adapted to something, rather than a past habit.

in the habit of

Emphasizes the repeated nature of an action, focusing on the established routine.

had a tendency to

Suggests a natural inclination or disposition towards a particular behavior.

was known to

Highlights a recognized or acknowledged pattern of behavior in the past.

would often

Expresses a frequent occurrence in the past, focusing on the regularity of the action.

liable to

Emphasizes possibility but also likelihood

inclined to

Implies an encouragement for a particular behaviour.

given to

Suggests a predisposition towards something, often with a negative connotation.

was in the practice of

Highlights a deliberate and consistent routine or method.

FAQs

How do I properly use "use to" in a sentence?

The correct phrase is "used to", which indicates a past habit or state that is no longer true. For example, "I "used to live" in New York, but now I live in Los Angeles."

What's the difference between "used to" and "use to"?

"Used to" refers to a past habit or state, while "use to" (without the 'd') is typically part of a larger verb phrase, such as "use it to open the door."

Which is correct: "I use to go" or "I used to go"?

"I "used to go"" is correct when describing a past habit. "Use to" without the 'd' is grammatically incorrect in this context.

Are there alternatives to "used to" for expressing past habits?

Yes, you can use phrases like "would often", "in the habit of", or "had a tendency to" to express similar meanings depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.