used
v. · adj.-
1 past habit (v.) B1 Intermediateyou use this to talk about something that happened often in the past but does not happen now.
a semi-modal construction used to indicate a past habit, state, or repeated action that is no longer true.
ExampleI used to live in London, but I moved to the countryside last year.
ExampleThe industrial district used to be the heart of the city's economy before the factories were converted into luxury lofts.
UsageAlways followed by 'to' and the base form of a verb.
PitfallI didn't used to like coffee.I didn't use to like coffee.In negative sentences and questions with 'did', the 'd' is dropped from 'used' because 'did' already shows the past tense.
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2 second-hand (adj.) A2 Elementarynot new; owned by someone else before you.
previously owned or utilized by another party; not in original or mint condition.
ExampleHe bought a used car because it was much cheaper than a new one.
ExampleThe bookstore specializes in rare used volumes that are no longer in print, attracting collectors from across the country.
- second hand
- pre owned
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3 familiar with (adj.) B1 Intermediateto be familiar with something because you have experienced it many times.
accustomed to or familiar with something through regular experience or exposure.
ExampleIt took a few weeks, but I am finally used to the cold weather here.
ExampleHaving worked in the emergency room for a decade, the head nurse was used to making critical decisions under extreme pressure.
UsageFollowed by 'to' and a noun or gerund.
- accustomed
- habituated
- unfamiliar
- unaccustomed
PitfallI am used to wake up early.I am used to waking up early.When 'used to' means 'accustomed to', the word 'to' is a preposition, so it must be followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form).
From Middle English used, equivalent to use + -ed.
- 01
ain't what it used to was
Is not what it used to be; (expressing nostalgia).
- 02
get used
To become accustomed to something; to acclimate; to adjust.
- 03
used to
Two everyday senses. As a past marker (used to + verb): something that happened regularly, or was true, in the past but isn't now — "We used to live by the sea." After be or get (be/get used to + noun or -ing): accustomed to, or comfortable with, something — "I'm used to the noise now."