Hotly debated – Is it use to or used to?

Personally, I try to avoid using the phrase use to or used to. The reason is simple. Everyone has an opinion so it detracts from the message I’m trying to convey. Plus, I find it really complicated to remember which one I should be using. So consider following my advice and restructure your sentence to avoid this phrase. But if you’d really like to know the answer, read on …

Used to generally refers to something that happened in the past.

For example, I used to live in Melbourne but now I live in Sydney.

Used to can also mean you are accustomed or familiar with something.

For example, I’m used to eating spicy foods.

Now this is where it gets a bit complicated because if you use words like “didn’t” you actually use the phrase use to.

For example, I didn’t use to have trouble touching my toes. Now I struggle.

Have a grammar question? Ask Karen

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