He had used to be a sad little boy vs He used to be a sad little boy

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'He used to be a sad little boy' is the more common and natural way to express that someone was sad in the past. 'He had used to be a sad little boy' is less common and may sound a bit awkward to native speakers.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 462 views

He had used to be a sad little boy

This phrase is grammatically correct but less common in everyday English.

This phrase is used to express a past habit or state that is no longer true. It is correct but less commonly used than the alternative.

Show examples from the web [+]

Yes but with your help I can be a sad little man who can swim.
If I told you about my dating life in a nutshell, It would be a sad little nut.
And that doesn't have to be a sad thing.
Maybe I am destined to be a sad old spinster... whose only companionship comes from an absurd amount of cats.
Just a sad little boy... with a lot of wasted potential.
And I swear to God, if those clowns come up with a cure for lung cancer, it is going to be a sad, sad day.
You ready to be a sad second place, then?
You're nothing but a sad little boy, Warren.
Okay, "A"... why does it always have to be a sad chick with cats?
Sad little king of a sad little hill.
My life would be a sad thing if l...
No. You should be a sad clown.
It would be a sad spectacle and a futile process.
No. You should be a sad clown.
Becky's like a sad little...
When you walked in here, you were a sad little wannabe.
You're nothing but a sad little loser.
All I am is a sad little cog.
And you are only just a sad little head.
What a sad little life she must lead.

Alternatives:

he used to be a sad little boy

He used to be a sad little boy

This phrase is the more common and natural way to express that someone was sad in the past.

This phrase is used to talk about a past situation or habit that no longer exists. It is the preferred way to express this idea.

Show examples from the web [+]

Yes but with your help I can be a sad little man who can swim.
If I told you about my dating life in a nutshell, It would be a sad little nut.
And that doesn't have to be a sad thing.
Maybe I am destined to be a sad old spinster... whose only companionship comes from an absurd amount of cats.
Just a sad little boy... with a lot of wasted potential.
And I swear to God, if those clowns come up with a cure for lung cancer, it is going to be a sad, sad day.
You ready to be a sad second place, then?
You're nothing but a sad little boy, Warren.
Okay, "A"... why does it always have to be a sad chick with cats?
When he was a little boy, he used to go out into the woods And come home covered in blood.
When he was a little boy... he used to grab my hand whenever someone talked to him.
He used to be a very nice, little boy.
When Walden was a little boy, he used to bring home sick, helpless animals all the time.
Sad little king of a sad little hill.
My life would be a sad thing if l...
No. You should be a sad clown.
It would be a sad spectacle and a futile process.
No. You should be a sad clown.
Becky's like a sad little...
When you walked in here, you were a sad little wannabe.

Alternatives:

he had been a sad little boy

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He had used to be a sad little boy vs He used to be a sad little boy