used to ...

Patterns: used · to · SLOT

A grammatical pattern used to describe past habits, repeated actions, or states that were true in the past but are no longer true in the present. It is commonly used in storytelling and when contrasting past and present situations.

• 🇷🇺конструкция для описания привычек или состояний в прошлом, которые больше не актуальны

1. Past habits and repeated actions A2 informal

   Used to describe actions that were done regularly or repeatedly in the past but do not happen anymore. It emphasizes the habitual nature of the action over a period of time.

   • I used to play football every weekend.
   • She used to visit her grandparents every summer.
   • We used to go to that restaurant a lot.
   • He used to wake up early when he had that job.
   • They used to travel together before they moved.
   • I used to read a lot when I was younger.
   • She used to call me every day.
   • We used to spend hours talking.
   • He used to exercise regularly.
   • They used to watch movies every Friday night.

   🇷🇺Привычки и повторяющиеся действия в прошлом

2. Past states or situations A2 formal

   Used to describe states, conditions, or situations that were true in the past but are no longer true now. Unlike simple past, it highlights a contrast with the present.

   • I used to live in London.
   • She used to be very shy.
   • There used to be a park here.
   • He used to work as a teacher.
   • We used to know each other well.
   • This building used to be a hospital.
   • He used to have long hair.
   • They used to be close friends.
   • I used to like spicy food.
   • She used to own a small shop.

   🇷🇺Состояния или ситуации в прошлом

3. Contrast between past and present B1 informal

   Used to explicitly or implicitly contrast how things were in the past with how they are now, often highlighting change, development, or transformation.

   • I used to hate coffee, but now I love it.
   • She used to be quiet, but now she is very confident.
   • We used to live in a small house, but now we have a big one.
   • He used to struggle with English, but now he speaks fluently.
   • They used to argue a lot, but now they get along well.
   • I used to be afraid of dogs, but now I have one.
   • This place used to be empty, but now it's always busy.
   • He used to be unemployed, but now he has a stable job.
   • She used to avoid public speaking, but now she enjoys it.
   • We used to spend less time together, but now we meet often.

   🇷🇺Контраст между прошлым и настоящим