used to

[Dany]

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

[Francois]

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

[Dany]

Thanks for your help and corrections

[blacknomi]

Hello, Dany,

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.

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?

[Dany]

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

[blacknomi]

Yes, but you gave it up a few years ago. I don't smoke.

[Casiopea]

Do you know some pages in the web, where I can practise that?
Dany

Try this link

used to quiz

[Dany]

Try this link

used to quiz

Thank you Casiopea

[Red5]

Try this link

used to quiz

And this one: Used to & Be/Get Used To

[Dany]

And this one: Used to & Be/Get Used To

Thank you. I think, that I haven't see the wood for the trees