used to operate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "used to operate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a past habit or a function that was performed regularly or continuously in the past. Example: "The machinery used to operate efficiently before the recent upgrades caused issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's how composers used to operate.

The New Yorker

Hospitals used to operate under some unwritten notion of altruism.

The New York Times - Magazine

T his power could be used to operate the trains.

The New Yorker

"I used to operate one of those," he said.

The New York Times

He used to operate a bodega and drive a Mister Softee truck.

The New York Times

Most of them can also be used to operate many computer-controlled telescopes.

The New York Times - Tech

In some Chinese towns, mahjong tokens used to operate as change in markets.

The Guardian

The restaurant's owners used to operate a dive bar in the space.

The New York Times - Food

Automatic roll play with clock control may also be used to operate the instrument.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are used to operate Web sites or applications that run Internet commerce, trading and business, and manage that traffic.

The New York Times

I used to operate a positive discrimination programme to ensure I reviewed widely beyond the so-called "big four" venues.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "used to operate", ensure the context clearly indicates a past activity or state that no longer occurs. For example, "The factory "used to operate" 24/7 before the economic downturn."

Common error

Avoid using "used to operate" when describing a current or ongoing activity. Instead, use the present tense, such as "currently operates" or "is used to operate."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "used to operate" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past habitual action or state. It describes something that was active or functional in the past but is no longer so. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "used to operate" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a past activity or function, as affirmed by Ludwig. It's frequently found in news, scientific, and general contexts. To ensure clarity, use it exclusively for past actions that are no longer ongoing. Remember to use "used to" (with a 'd') to maintain grammatical correctness. By following these guidelines, you'll effectively communicate past states and activities. According to Ludwig, it's a solid phrase to employ in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly operated

Focuses on the past operation of something, with an emphasis on its previous state.

previously functioned

Highlights the past functional state of something, often technical or mechanical.

used to run

Emphasizes the act of managing or controlling something in the past.

once managed

Indicates past control or administration, suggesting a level of oversight.

historically controlled

Stresses the historical aspect of having control over something.

in the past operated

Directly states that an action of operating occurred at some earlier time.

used to control

Focuses specifically on past control or command.

earlier operated

Highlights the temporal aspect of a previous operation.

formerly controlled

Emphasizes a previous state of having control or authority.

previously administered

Suggests a former administrative role or function.

FAQs

How can I use "used to operate" in a sentence?

Use "used to operate" to describe something that functioned or was active in the past but no longer does. For instance, "That factory "used to operate" around the clock" indicates a past state.

What are some alternatives to "used to operate"?

Alternatives include "formerly operated", "previously functioned", or "once managed", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

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

"Used to operate" describes a past habitual action, while "is used to operate" implies that something is being utilized for operation now. For example, "The machine "used to operate" manually, but now it is automated."

Is "use to operate" grammatically correct instead of "used to operate"?

No, "use to operate" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""used to operate"", with a 'd' at the end of 'used', to indicate a past action or state.