Is It Use To or Used To? | Difference & Examples

“Use to” and “used to” are related phrases that share a meaning. However, they are not used in the same way.

• Use to is a verb that indicates a past action, state, or habit. It is always preceded by “did,” “didn’t,” or “did not.”
• Used to is also a verb that indicates a past action, state, or habit, but it is not used with “did,” “didn’t,” or “did not.” It is also used as an adjective to mean “accustomed to.”

These phrases are often confused because the final “d” in “used” and the “t” in “to” seem to blend together in pronunciation, causing them to sound like homonyms. However, it’s important to use them correctly, especially in academic writing or professional communication.

Use to as a verb

Use to is a variant of used to that is only used in negative statements, in questions, and to indicate emphasis. Because of this, it’s only used in combination with:

• “Did”
• “Did not”
• “Didn’t” (contraction)

The “d” is omitted because the verb “did” already indicates that the sentence is in the past tense. Other verbs behave the same way (e.g., “he didn’t talk,” not “he didn’t talked”).

I use to or I used to

I used to is a phrase used to refer to a past habit. “I use to” is never correct.

Used to as a verb

“Used to” is often used as a verb to refer to a past habit, state, or action that’s no longer happening. It modifies the main verb of a clause, which means it acts similarly to a modal verb.

To use this form correctly, combine “used” with the preposition “to” and the infinitive form of a verb (e.g., “talk,” “love,” “write”).

Used to as an adjective

Used to can also be used as an adjective. In this context, it’s used along with a form of the helping verb “be” (e.g., “you are,” he is”).

Get used to it

Get(ting) used to it means “becoming accustomed to it.” “It” replaces a previously specified noun. “Get use to it” is always incorrect.

Quiz: Use to or used to

Test your knowledge of the difference between “used to” and “use to” by filling in “used to” or “use to” in each sentence.

Frequently asked questions about use to or used to

Is it use to do or used to do?

Use to and used to are frequently confused. In this case, “used to do” is correct because you’re describing a past habit or action. 

• I used to do my friend’s hair before going out.
• They used to do a lot of fun activities in the summer.
• Rick used to do some odd jobs on the side, but now he has a full-time job.

Is it use to have or used to have?

Use to and used to are frequently confused. In this case, “used to have” is correct because you’re describing a state in the past. 

• I used to have a nice career before I retired.
• They used to have a farm, but now they live in an apartment. 

Lola used to have two children, but she recently gave birth to another set of twins.

Is it used to be or use to be?

Use to and used to are frequently confused. In this case, “used to be” is correct because you’re describing a state in the past.

• I used to be insecure.
• There used to be a supermarket here.
• Teddy used to be a writer.

The QuillBot grammar check tool can help ensure you’re using “use to” and “used to” correctly.