used to like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "used to like" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a past habit or preference that is no longer true. Example: "I used to like playing soccer every weekend, but now I prefer basketball."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I used to like them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fish used to like hospitals.

The New Yorker

"I used to like food".

The New York Times

"I used to like that".

The New York Times

I used to like that conversation.

The New Yorker

I used to like rédaction: writing.

Independent

"Not everyone used to like him.

The New Yorker

You know who used to like it?

The New Yorker

He used to like to handicap elections".

The New Yorker

I used to like philosophy".

The Guardian

We used to like Selfridges.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "used to like" to create contrast with present feelings. This can effectively highlight changes in personal taste or circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "used to like" when you still enjoy something. Instead, use present tense verbs like "like" or "enjoy" to accurately reflect your current feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "used to like" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a past state or habit that is no longer true. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase for expressing a former preference. The provided examples across various sources confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "used to like" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a past preference that is no longer current. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general conversation. When using this phrase, make sure to provide adequate context to highlight the change in preference. While "used to like" is acceptable, alternatives such as "once enjoyed" or "formerly appreciated" can add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was fond of

Uses a simpler adjective to express a past liking.

had a liking for

Simplifies the expression while retaining the original meaning.

once enjoyed

Replaces "used to like" with a more concise expression of past enjoyment.

formerly appreciated

Uses a more formal tone to express a previous liking.

at one time favored

Emphasizes a past preference with a slightly different verb choice.

used to have a fondness for

Expands the phrase to express affection in the past.

used to be keen on

Uses a more informal and idiomatic expression for past liking.

used to relish

Indicates a past enjoyment with enthusiasm.

was accustomed to enjoying

Highlights the habitual nature of the past enjoyment.

previously had an affinity for

Implies a natural connection or liking in the past.

FAQs

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

"Used to like" indicates a past preference that is no longer true. For example, "I "used to like" coffee, but now I prefer tea" shows a change in preference.

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

You can use alternatives like "once enjoyed", "formerly appreciated", or "was fond of depending on the context".

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

No, "I use to like" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "I "used to like"", where "used" indicates the past tense.

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

"Used to like" refers to a past preference, while "like" indicates a current preference. For example, "I "used to like" apples" means you no longer like them, whereas "I like apples" means you currently enjoy them.