The Semi Modal “used to”
Habit in the past using the semi modal “used to”
Kim and her family used to spend their summer holidays in their uncle’s beach house. They used to spend two weeks there. But they don’t still go there now.
Used to + verb (infinitive) →” used to “ is called a semi modal. It refers to a state or habit that existed in the past but doesn’t exist now.
In the past Kim used to spend her summer holidays with her parents in her uncle’s beach house. But she doesn’t do this now.
Subject + used to + verb base form…………
In the past I used to smoke, but I don’t smoke now.
We used to play seek and hide when we were kids.
I used to watch cartoons when I was a child.
I didn’t use to understand english easily when I was at primary school.
Subject + didn’t use to + verb base form……
- When we ask about past habits we usually use:
Did you use to watch Mickey Mouse?
Did children use to play in the garden after school?
Did your teacher use to punish when you were at primary school?
Did you use to practise sport when you were at primary school?
Yes, I did
Did you use to practise sport in a club?
No, I didn’t.
- Question:
Did + subject + verb (base form) + ……….. + ?
- Answers:
Positive answer:
Yes + subject + did
Negative answer:
No + subject + did + not
