used to do something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "used to do something" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a past habit or a situation that was true in the past but is no longer the case. Example: "I used to do yoga every morning, but now I prefer running."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Did she used to do something else?

The New York Times

Tyson used to do something similar with boxing.

The New Yorker

I used to do something wrong and say, I didn't know better.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The East Germans used to do something similar, identifying individuals who can win more than one medal in a sport.

The New York Times - Sports

Remember when Liam Neeson used to do something other than murder foreigners and pretend his thirtysomething daughter is a teenager?

The Guardian - Film

We used to do something called "study circle" where we mainly studied communist ideology, but we also used to do "criticism and self-criticism".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

You get used to doing something and when it's taken away, you feel awkward.

The New York Times - Sports

"You know, you're so used to doing something for a long time.

The New York Times - Sports

"But it's hard to walk away when you're so used to doing something for 12, 15 years.

The New York Times - Sports

It's really frustrating when you're used to doing something your whole life and all of a sudden it's like you can't do it anymore".

The New York Times

However, if he's comparing something you do to something she used to do or something similar, he's probably just using you to make himself feel better.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "used to do something" to clearly indicate a past habit or state that is no longer true. This helps avoid ambiguity and provides context for the present situation.

Common error

Avoid dropping the 'd' from "used to". "Use to" without the 'd' has a different meaning, related to the act of utilizing something, and is incorrect when referring to past habits.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "used to do something" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a past habit or state that is no longer true. Ludwig confirms this usage is grammatically correct and common. Examples show it describing past actions, such as old training routines or previous job roles.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "used to do something" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to express a past habit or state that no longer exists. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples. While versatile, it's important to avoid the common error of omitting the 'd' and confusing it with "use to". Alternatives like "would do" or "once did" can offer nuanced variations. The phrase is most frequently found in news media and less so in formal academic settings, showcasing its general applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would do something

Similar in meaning, but "would" can also imply a conditional or hypothetical situation.

used to perform something

Replaces "do" with "perform", suggesting a more formal or skilled action.

once did something

Emphasizes a point in the past when the action occurred, differing from the continuous nature implied by "used to".

was in the habit of doing something

More explicitly states a past routine, adding emphasis to the habitual nature of the action.

formerly did something

Highlights the previous role or activity, often in a more formal context.

had a habit of doing something

Like "was in the habit of", but this stresses the existence of a habit.

in the past did something

Directly indicates a past action without implying a repeated habit.

at one time did something

Indicates that the action occurred during a specific period, now concluded.

did something in the old days

Informal and emphasizes a time long ago, adding a nostalgic tone.

did something back then

Informal and refers to a less specific point in the past.

FAQs

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

Use "used to do something" to describe a past habit or state that is no longer true. For example, "I "used to do something" every day, but now I only do it on weekends."

What's a good alternative for "used to do something"?

Alternatives include "once did something", "formerly did something", or "would do something", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "use to do something" instead of "used to do something"?

No, "use to do something" is grammatically incorrect when referring to a past habit. The correct form is ""used to do something"", with a 'd'.

What's the difference between "used to do something" and "would do something"?

"Used to do something" describes a past habit or state that is no longer true. "Would do something" can also describe a past habit, but it can also refer to a conditional or hypothetical situation.