© Samuel Haldane 2005-2006
|
BAST ENGLISH | Free language learning resources. © Samuel Haldane 2005-2006 |
| BAST Home | English | Common Errors | Grammar Summary | Pronunciation | Problem Areas | Reference | Verbmaster |
|
There are two different uses of used to.
1. With an infintive, it refers to something that went on for a long time in the past but is now finished: I used to smoke. (I smoked for a long period but now I do not smoke.) I used be a bus driver. (I was a bus driver for a long period but now I am not.) 2. With be and an event-noun, (-ing), it indicates familiarity with a situation (the word accustomed means the same as used here): I am used to flying. (I have flown many times before, so flying is not a new experience for me.) I am accustomed to flying. (Exactly the same meaning.) Note the two forms: 1. I used to do it. 2. I am used to doing it. There is no **I am used to do it. |
