Dragontiger
When I was studying English today, I saw the sentence : "Where did you use to live before you came here." As far as I know, "Used to" express the repeated actions of the past, so I felt that this sentence was wrong. Is it correct? : "Where did you live before you came here?"
Mar 30, 2022 11:24 AM
Answers · 8
1
Hi, Dragontiger Used to = done or experienced in the past, but no longer done or experienced. We can use it for repeated and any other action or situation that continued for a period of time in the past. So the question is perfectly fine. There's another modal verb with similar meaning – would, but this one can be used for repeated actions exclusively. He used to brush his teeth three times a day // He would brush his teeth three times a day. He used to live with his parents. // –––
March 30, 2022
1
Hi, Your understanding of 'used to' appears to be okay. But in the question, 'use' is in the present not past. This is fine."Where did you use to live before you came here?" This is also fine."Where did you live before you came here?" Cheers
March 30, 2022
Great question! This is a construction that confuses learners and native speakers alike. Essentially "use to" replaces "used to" in the presence of the term "did". For example: Did you use to practice the guitar? Yes, I used to practice the guitar. Hope this helps!
March 30, 2022
Thank you so much. I understand that finally.
March 30, 2022
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