used to take

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "used to take" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a past habit or routine that no longer occurs. Example: "I used to take the bus to work every day before I got my car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He used to take us with him.

The Guardian

(Bogart used to take us pretty deeply into hoods).

The New Yorker

Connie used to take me.

The New Yorker

He used to take incredible solos.

The New York Times - Arts

We used to take him for drives.

The New Yorker

"It used to take three years".

The New York Times

"France used to take this very seriously.

BBC

They used to take pictures.

The New York Times

It used to take months.

The New Yorker

"I used to take 50kg each night.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

She used to take me there".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing past habits, ensure the context clearly indicates a change in behavior. For example, "I "used to take" the train, but now I drive."

Common error

Avoid using "used to taking". The correct form is "used to take" followed by the base form of the verb.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "used to take" functions as a verbal construction indicating a past habit, routine, or state that is no longer true in the present. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys actions that occurred regularly or consistently in the past but have since ceased.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Sports

14%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "used to take" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe past habits or states that no longer exist. As Ludwig AI confirms, its adaptability makes it suitable for various contexts, primarily in news, sports, and general discussions. The phrase's neutral register and wide range of applications make it an essential part of expressing changes over time. Remember to avoid the common error of using "used to taking"; the correct form is always "used to take" followed by the base form of the verb.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would take

Indicates a past habit or repeated action, similar to "used to take".

regularly took

Indicates that the action of taking occurred frequently in the past.

previously took

Similar to "formerly took", but with slightly less emphasis on formality.

formerly took

Emphasizes the past nature of the action more directly with a formal tone.

was accustomed to taking

Implies a sense of familiarity or comfort with the action in the past.

was in the habit of taking

More explicitly describes a past habit or routine.

once took

Highlights a single instance of taking something in the past.

at one time, took

Highlights that the action happened during a specific period in the past.

in the past, took

Emphasizes the temporal aspect, explicitly stating the action occurred in the past.

had a tendency to take

Suggests a natural inclination or predisposition to take something.

FAQs

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

Use "used to take" to describe a past habit or action that no longer occurs. For example, "I "used to take" the bus to work every day."

What are some alternatives to "used to take"?

Alternatives include "formerly took", "previously took", or "would take", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "used to taking"?

No, "used to taking" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "used to take" followed by the base form of the verb.

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

"Used to take" emphasizes that the action no longer occurs, while "would take" simply indicates a past habit or repeated action without necessarily implying it has stopped.