used to run

USAGE SUMMARY

"used to run" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to talk about something that happened regularly in the past, but no longer occurs. For example, "I used to run every morning, but now I only jog a few times a week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They used to run together.

The New York Times - Sports

"I used to run a little bit.

The New York Times

I used to run fast once.

The New York Times - Sports

(He used to run public-speaking courses).

The New York Times

"I used to run marathons," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

He used to run away.

The New York Times

I used to run quickly.

The Guardian

I used to run hard every day.

The New York Times - Sports

You used to run a car wash.

The New York Times - Magazine

He used to run a courier company.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I used to run supply chain.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing past routines or habits, "used to run" effectively conveys that the action no longer occurs. Be clear if the action has stopped completely or simply decreased in frequency.

Common error

Avoid using "used to run" when you mean an action still occurs occasionally. Instead, reserve "used to" for actions that have largely or entirely ceased. Use present tense or adverbs of frequency like "sometimes" or "occasionally" to describe present activities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "used to run" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a past habitual action or state that is no longer current. It combines the auxiliary verb 'used' with the infinitive 'to run' to express this discontinued practice. As Ludwig AI suggests, it signifies something that happened regularly in the past but no longer does.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "used to run" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to describe a past action that no longer occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to indicate a discontinued habit or state, fitting seamlessly into both formal and informal contexts. The phrase sees frequent use in news and media, as well as in scientific writing, indicating its broad applicability. When employing this phrase, ensure that the action truly has ceased to avoid miscommunication. Remember that alternatives exist, such as "formerly operated" or "previously managed", which can offer nuanced variations in meaning. With these points in mind, you can confidently and accurately incorporate "used to run" into your writing and conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly operated

Focuses on past management or control rather than physical running.

previously managed

Highlights past administrative roles.

once oversaw

Emphasizes past supervisory duties.

had been in charge of

Indicates a past leadership position.

used to administer

Implies past organizational responsibilities.

would frequently sprint

Focuses on repeated instances of high-speed running.

would often jog

Suggests regular, leisurely runs in the past.

habitually raced

Highlights a past pattern of competitive running.

customarily ran

Indicates a past routine of running.

regularly exercised

Implies regular physical activity, including running.

FAQs

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

Use "used to run" to describe past habits or actions that are no longer performed. For example, "I "used to run" marathons, but now I prefer shorter distances."

What are some alternatives to "used to run"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "formerly operated", "previously managed", or "would frequently sprint".

Is it correct to say "I use to run"?

No, the correct form is "I "used to run"". The 'd' is essential to indicate the past tense.

What is the difference between "used to run" and "running"?

"Used to run" describes a past habit that is no longer practiced, while "running" describes a current or ongoing activity.