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.”
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)
Examples: Use to in a sentence
Didn’t you use to avoid lactose?
Soumaya didn’t use to eat fruit, but now she eats an apple and pear every day.
I did not use to like cats, but they’ve grown on me.
Didn’t you use to avoid lactose?
Soumaya didn’t use to eat fruit, but now she eats an apple and pear every day.
I did not use to like cats, but they’ve grown on me.
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.
Examples: I used to in a sentence
I used to smoke cigarettes as a teenager, but I quit forty years ago.
I used to be a teacher, but I now paint for a living.
I used to like Lara, but she has changed.
I used to smoke cigarettes as a teenager, but I quit forty years ago.
I used to be a teacher, but I now paint for a living.
I used to like Lara, but she has changed.
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”).
To use this form correctly, combine “used” with the preposition “to” and the infinitive form of a verb (e.g., “talk,” “love,” “write”).
Examples: Used to in a sentence (verb)
Deidre used to visit her grandson every week.
I saw a friend whom I used to date in high school.
You used to read a lot.
Deidre used to visit her grandson every week.
I saw a friend whom I used to date in high school.
You used to read a lot.
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”).
Examples: Used to as an adjective
Luca is used to traveling because he is a truck driver.
I am not used to eating spicy food.
Is your dog used to being alone?
Luca is used to traveling because he is a truck driver.
I am not used to eating spicy food.
Is your dog used to being alone?
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.
Examples: Get(ting) used to it
My cat really struggled with being alone, but he’s getting used to it now.
There’s always more work to do. Get used to it!
I heard you’re no longer experiencing side effects. Did you get used to it?
My cat really struggled with being alone, but he’s getting used to it now.
There’s always more work to do. Get used to it!
I heard you’re no longer experiencing side effects. Did you get used to it?
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Do you want to know more about common mistakes, commonly confused words, or other language topics? Check out some of our other language articles full of examples and quizzes.
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.
The QuillBot Grammar Checker will fix this and other mistakes automatically.
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.
The QuillBot Grammar Checker will fix this and other mistakes automatically.
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 Checker will fix this and other mistakes automatically.
