Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Grammar - "Usually" and "Used to"

We use frequency adverb "usually" and the verb "used to" to reference to an habit or a daily routine (actual or past).
  • Usually, is used in the present (I usually...).
  • Used to, is used to reference actions ended in the past (I used to...).
Next, we are going to see how they are grammatically used in affirmative, negative and interrogative sentences.

*Take care using "used to" in negative and interrogative sentences.

USE OF "USUALLY" & "USED TO"
1. Use of “Usually” in afirmative, negative and interrogative sentences
  • Affirmative: I usually read at leat 3 hours a day.
  • Negative: She doesn’t usually go out during the week.
  • Interrogative: Does he usually do exercise?
2. Use of “Used to” in afirmative, negative and interrogative sentences
  • Affirmative: I used to play basketaball when I was a teen.
  • Negative: She didn’t use to drink when she was at university 18.
  • Interrogative: Did you use to play the piano.

*NOTE: Have you ever seen written "didn't used to" or "Did you used to"?
It is possible, indeed in American English Language "used to" form is used in affirmative, negative and interrogative sentences. However, this is not usual in British English Language.

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