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  #1 (permalink)  
Old 01-Nov-2004, 18:51
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Dany
Question used to

Hello everyone,

I have some problems with the usage of "used to". Do you know some pages in the web, where I can practise that? Unfortunately, I haven't found any practise on your Member-Site (language-quizzes)

Perhaps you can correct the following sentences at first?

1.) I used to have two cats, but now I have only one.

2.) I used to give up smoking, but now I smoke again.

3.) I used to live Offenbach. Now I live in Hanau.


Thanks in advance,
Dany
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Old 01-Nov-2004, 19:23
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Default Re: used to

1) is ok
2) is wrong; to give up smoking is not something you do over a long period of time, unless you repeatedly tried to stop smoking -- but then you would say "I used to try to give up smoking, but I don't even bother now".
3) is ok (to live in Offenbach)

FRC
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Old 01-Nov-2004, 19:43
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Default Re: used to

Thanks for your help and corrections
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Old 01-Nov-2004, 19:59
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Default Re: used to

Hello, Dany,

Quote:
2.) I used to give up smoking, but now I smoke again.
I would say "I tried to give up smoking, but I failed. So I smoke again."
Do you know why "give up" doesn't go well with "used to"? This is what I think. When you use "used to", you mean to say that you did something regularly in the past. So it would soudn odd if you think the idea of "giving up" a regular action.



Quote:
3.) I used to live Offenbach. Now I live in Hanau.
live in [a city name]. I believe it's a typo.


Does that help?
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Old 01-Nov-2004, 20:11
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Default Re: used to

Thank you

But it would be right, when I say:
I used to smoke, but I gave it up few years ago.

correct?


Kind regards,
Dany
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Old 02-Nov-2004, 10:12
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Default Re: used to

Yes, but you gave it up a few years ago. I don't smoke.
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Old 02-Nov-2004, 10:28
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Default Re: used to

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dany
Do you know some pages in the web, where I can practise that?
Dany
Try this link

used to quiz
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Old 02-Nov-2004, 18:48
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Default Re: used to

Quote:
Originally Posted by Casiopea
Try this link

used to quiz
Thank you Casiopea
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Old 02-Nov-2004, 18:51
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Default Re: used to

Quote:
Originally Posted by Casiopea
Try this link

used to quiz
And this one: Used to & Be/Get Used To
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Old 02-Nov-2004, 19:20
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Default Re: used to

Quote:
Originally Posted by Red5
Thank you. I think, that I haven't see the wood for the trees
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