was used to

USAGE SUMMARY

"was used to" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used when you want to say that something was done in the past, but isn't done now. For example: He used to prefer tea, but he has switched to coffee.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was used to responsibility.

The New York Times - Sports

Beard was used to that.

The New York Times - Sports

She was used to him.

The New Yorker

I was used to that".

The New York Times - Sports

I was used to talking about art.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Sheldon was used to Verizon FiOS.

The New York Times

He was used to that, though.

The Economist

I was used to liberal arts guys".

The New York Times

She was used to standing out.

The New York Times - Sports

I was used to irrational behavior.

The New York Times

He was used to working from scratch.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing past habits, ensure the context clearly indicates that the action is no longer a current practice. For example, "He "was used to" waking up early, but now he sleeps in."

Common error

Avoid confusing "was used to" (past habit) with "was used to" + gerund (being accustomed to). For instance, "He "was used to" live in the city" is incorrect; it should be "He "was used to" living in the city" or "He used to live in the city".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was used to" functions as a stative verb phrase in the passive voice. It indicates a past condition of being accustomed to something or a past habitual action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

52%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was used to" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe past habits, states, or purposes. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and widespread use. While versatile, it's crucial to distinguish its meaning from "am/is/are used to", which indicates a current state of being accustomed. When writing, ensure clarity by avoiding confusion with similar constructions and using it appropriately to convey past familiarity. Alternatives like "became accustomed to" or "would" can add variety to your writing. Remember to use the correct tense to avoid misunderstandings. "Was used to" is common in both News & Media and Scientific sources. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately incorporate "was used to" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became accustomed to

This phrase emphasizes the process of getting used to something over time.

grew familiar with

Implies a gradual development of comfort or knowledge.

had a habit of

This alternative highlights the habitual aspect, focusing on repeated actions.

was in the habit of

A more elaborate way of saying "had a habit of".

would

This auxiliary verb is a concise way to express past habitual actions.

had been known to

Suggests a past reputation or tendency.

served to

Focuses on the purpose or function something had in the past.

was known for

Indicates a characteristic or purpose that was widely recognized.

was employed to

Similar to "served to", but often implies a more formal or technical application.

was designed to

Highlights the intended function or purpose during the design phase.

FAQs

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

Use "was used to" to describe a past habit or state that is no longer true. For example, "She "was used to" working late, but now she has a better work-life balance."

What is a good alternative to "was used to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "became accustomed to", "had a habit of", or simply the auxiliary verb "would".

What is the difference between "was used to" and "is used to"?

"Was used to" describes a past habit or state, while "is used to" describes a current state of being accustomed to something.

Is it correct to say "I am used to" instead of "I "was used to""?

Yes, but the meaning changes. "I am used to" indicates that you are currently accustomed to something, while "I "was used to" indicates a past habit or state. For example, "I am used to drinking coffee in the morning" means you currently do, while "I "was used to" drinking coffee in the morning" means you did in the past but don't necessarily now.