used
- 01 B1 Intermediate
v.you use this to talk about something that happened often in the past but does not happen now.
v.a semi-modal construction used to indicate a past habit, state, or repeated action that is no longer true.
Simple“I used to live in London, but I moved to the countryside last year.”
In context“The 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.
Synonyms - 02 A2 Elementary
adj.not new; owned by someone else before you.
adj.previously owned or utilized by another party; not in original or mint condition.
Simple“He bought a used car because it was much cheaper than a new one.”
In context“The bookstore specializes in rare used volumes that are no longer in print, attracting collectors from across the country.”
- 03 B1 Intermediate
adj.to be familiar with something because you have experienced it many times.
adj.accustomed to or familiar with something through regular experience or exposure.
Simple“It took a few weeks, but I am finally used to the cold weather here.”
In context“Having 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.
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).
SynonymsaccustomedhabituatedAntonymsunfamiliarunaccustomed
Usage used to smuggle · used for any other purpose · used data
From Middle English used, equivalent to use + -ed.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.