Used to + infinitive

The structure used to + infinitive is used to refer to a past routine or situation which no longer exists at the present time.

It refers to past habits and states that do not exist today; something that you did regularly in the past but you don’t do now. ‘Used to + infinitive’ can only refer to a past time.

I used to smoke – There was a period in my past where I smoked regularly but I do not smoke now.
I did not use to smoke – I smoke now but there was a period in my life when I did not smoke.

Here are more examples:
Sarah used to drink coffee. Now she prefers tea.
Pierre used to fly from Paris to London. Now he takes the train.
I used to drive to work but now I walk. It’s healthier.
I used to work in an office. Now I go out to meet my clients.

However ‘used to + infinitive’ is not used in a sentence with a phrase saying how often something happened or how long it took:
I worked in a n office for 6 years NOT I used to work in an office for 6 years.
I lived in London for 8 years NOT I used to live in London for 8 years.

Lesson by Tristan, teacher at EC Malta English school

Now choose the correct sentence from the following:

• 1. Which is correct?
  
  John would love socialising. Now he hardly goes out anymore.
  John used to love socialising. Now he hardly goes out anymore.
  
  
• 2. Which is correct?
  
  I didn’t used to like driving until I bought my new car.
  I didn’t use to like driving until I bought my new car.
  
  
• 3. Which is correct?
  
  Peter used to argue so much until he met Sarah. She has calmed him down.
  Peter was argued so much until he met Sarah. She has calmed him down.
  
  
• 4. Which is correct?
  
  We had been living in Barcelona for three years before we decided to move.
  We used to live in Barcelona for three years before we decided to move.
  
  
• 5. Which is correct?
  
  John used to be fired because he was always coming to work late.
  John was fired because he was always coming to work late.
  
  
• 6. Which is correct?
  
  I hated the last musical I saw. It was not exciting.
  I used to hate the last musical I saw. It was not exciting.