USED TO Meaning and
Definition
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"Used to" is a phrase that is commonly used in English to describe a past habit, state, or action that was common or frequent but has now ceased to exist or occur, or is no longer true. It indicates something that occurred regularly or was a regular part of one's life in the past but has since changed or ended.
The phrase "used to" is usually followed by an infinitive verb, indicating the action or state that was habitual in the past. For example, "She used to play the piano every day." In this sentence, the phrase "used to" indicates that playing the piano was a regular activity for her in the past, but it is no longer the case.
"Used to" can also be used to express a contrast between the past and the present. For instance, "He used to live in London, but now he lives in New York." Here, the phrase highlights a change in the person's place of residence.
Overall, "used to" is an idiom that is used to refer to a past behavior, state, or action that no longer exists or is no longer true. It is a useful tool for expressing past habits or changes over time, helping to give context to a person's experiences and establish a temporal framework in English communication.
Top Common Misspellings for USED TO *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for USED TO
- ysed to
- hsed to
- jsed to
- ised to
- uaed to
- uzed to
- uxed to
- uded to
- ueed to
- uwed to
- uswd to
- ussd to
- usdd to
- usrd to
- us4d to
- us3d to
- uses to
Etymology of USED TO
The phrase "used to" originated from Middle English, where "used" was derived from the Old French word "usé" (meaning "worn out" or "exhausted"). This Old French term was further derived from the Latin word "ūsus" (meaning "use"). The word "to" comes from the Old English word "tō" (meaning "to" or "toward"). Over time, the phrase "used to" evolved to represent the idea of something being habitually done in the past but no longer done in the present.
Idioms with the word USED TO
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used to do sth
The idiom "used to do sth" refers to a past habit or action that was done regularly or frequently in the past, but is no longer the case in the present. It implies that the action or habit was practiced repeatedly over a period of time in the past, but has since been discontinued or stopped.
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be (or get) used to
The idiom "be (or get) used to" means to become familiar or accustomed to something or someone, typically through repeated exposure or experience. It implies a level of comfort or ease that comes from familiarity.
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(not) half the person/man/woman (one) used to be
The idiom "(not) half the person/man/woman (one) used to be" suggests a significant change in someone's personality, abilities, or appearance compared to their previous state. When used positively, it means the person has improved or become even better than before. Conversely, when used negatively, it implies that the person has declined or deteriorated from their previous state.
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be half the (something) (one) used to be
The idiom "be half the (something) (one) used to be" refers to a situation where someone or something has experienced a significant decline or degradation in quality, ability, performance, or value compared to how they were in the past. It implies that the person or thing has lost their former level of superiority or status and is now only half as good or effective as they once were.
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be half the dancer, writer, etc. you used to be
The idiom "be half the dancer, writer, etc. you used to be" means that someone's skills, abilities, or performance have declined significantly compared to their previous level of expertise or proficiency. It suggests a significant decrease in talent, creativity, or skill in a specific field or activity that one was once known for.
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be half the dancer etc. used to be
The idiom "be half the dancer etc. used to be" is used to describe a person who used to be exceptionally skilled or talented in a particular field or activity but has now lost a significant amount of his/her expertise or ability. It implies that the person is not as proficient or accomplished as he/she once was.
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They don't make them like they used to
The idiom "They don't make them like they used to" means that the quality or craftsmanship of products or things has declined compared to how it was in the past. It implies that the older or older-fashioned versions of something were made with better or superior materials, craftsmanship, or durability. It can be used to express nostalgia for the past or a general dissatisfaction with the current state of things.
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used to sth/doing sth
The idiom "used to (something/doing something)" is used to refer to a past situation or habit that someone was once familiar with or accustomed to but no longer does or experiences in the present. It implies that someone had a previous regular involvement or experience with something but no longer engages in it.
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better get used to it
The idiom "better get used to it" means that one should become accustomed to and accept a situation or circumstance, as it is unlikely to change. It implies that resistance or dissatisfaction would be futile, and it is better to adapt and adjust to the situation at hand.
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not as young as one used to be
The idiom "not as young as one used to be" is a phrase used to acknowledge the aging process and express the recognition that one is no longer as youthful or energetic as they once were. It implies that a person may not have the same level of stamina, physical abilities, or appearance as they did in their younger days.
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It takes (sm) getting used to.
This idiom means that something may be difficult or unusual at first, but it becomes easier and more comfortable over time as one becomes accustomed to it.
Similar spelling words for USED TO
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