we used to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we used to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a past habit or state that is no longer true. Example: "We used to go hiking every weekend before we moved to the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Like we used to".

The New Yorker

Or, we used to.

The New York Times

We used to laugh".

The New Yorker

We used to.

The New York Times

What we used to be.

The New Yorker

"We used to educate them.

The New York Times

We used to think differently.

The New Yorker

We used to study together.

The New York Times

"We used to save everything.

The Economist

"We used to live together".

The New Yorker

"We used to live there.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, follow "we used to" with a verb in its base form to correctly describe the past action or state that is no longer true.

Common error

Avoid using "we used to" to describe present habits or actions. This phrase specifically refers to something that occurred regularly in the past but no longer does. For current habits, use present tense or adverbs of frequency.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "we used to" is to indicate a past habit, state, or action that is no longer true in the present. It serves as a marker of contrast between past and present circumstances, clearly signaling that something has changed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we used to" is a grammatically sound and very common way to describe past habits or states that are no longer true. It's a neutral expression suitable for various contexts, predominantly found in news and media. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. When using "we used to", ensure it's followed by the base form of a verb and avoid confusing it with phrases like "we are used to", which has a different meaning. For alternatives, consider options like "we once did" or "we formerly did" to add subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we would often do

Highlights the frequency and regularity of a past action.

we had a habit of

Explicitly states a past habit or customary action.

we've stopped doing that

Emphasizes the cessation of a previous action or habit.

we don't do that now

Directly contrasts a past action with the present absence of it.

we once did

Emphasizes a single instance of a past action, rather than a repeated habit.

we previously did

Indicates something done at an earlier time, without specifying frequency.

we formerly did

Suggests a more formal or official context for a previous action.

it was our custom to

Implies a traditional or established practice in the past.

we are not like that anymore

Focuses on contrasting the present state with a past condition.

those days are gone

Expresses that a past era or situation has ended and cannot be revisited.

FAQs

How do you use "we used to" in a sentence?

The phrase "we used to" is followed by the base form of a verb to describe a past action or state that is no longer true. For example, "We used to live in New York" means that we lived in New York in the past, but we don't live there now.

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

You can use alternatives like "we once did", "we formerly did", or "we previously did" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "we use to" instead of "we used to"?

No, it is not correct. The correct phrase is "we used to", with a 'd' at the end of "used". "We use to" is a common mistake, but grammatically incorrect when referring to a past habit or state.

What's the difference between "we used to" and "we are used to"?

"We used to" describes a past habit or state that is no longer true, whereas "we are used to" means that we are accustomed or acclimated to something. For example, "We used to play tennis" (we no longer play), but "We are used to waking up early" (we are accustomed to it).