I used to sing this song vs used to sing the song

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "I used to sing this song" is a complete sentence and emphasizes the personal experience of the speaker. "Used to sing the song" is more general and can refer to anyone who used to sing the song without specifying the speaker.

Explained by Michele A.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: August 29, 2024 • 23963 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It emphasizes the personal experience of the speaker.

"I used to sing this song"

This phrase is used when the speaker wants to emphasize their personal experience of singing the song in the past.

Examples:

I used to sing this song all the time when I was in high school.
She used to sing this song at every family gathering.
He used to sing this song to his children before bedtime.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 03, 2024

Mar 29, 2024 ... I used to sing this song every night when Zac was little to help put him to sleep. Today he is 20. It's true what they say - it happens in the blink of an eye.
Mar 3, 2019 ... I used to sing this song when little baby Nikos would be brought in by his mom Linda, to where I was playing at the Homestead Tavern.
Aug 5, 2020 ... I used to sing this song to my boys every night!!!! They are now 16 & 13 Miss then being little. 4 yrs. Sindy Diaz. My mom would sing ...
Sep 22, 2024 ... Trulee Rodney (@trulee). 27 Likes. I used to sing this song on my karaoke machine over and over until I lost my voice .
May 30, 2024 ... I used to sing this song to my girls every night as they were going to bed, and I couldn't wait to make this quilt reality. I had originally ...
6 days ago ... I used to sing this song to her when ahe was a baby! #jorgeferreira #portuguese #portugal #toronto #ontario #canada #daughter #dad #sixteen.
Jul 28, 2019 ... These lyrics are taken straight from Psalm 103:1 (KJV). I used to sing this song thinking that it was supposed to come from a feeling of joyful ...

Alternatives:

I used to sing this song when I was younger.
I used to sing this song in my choir.
I used to sing this song with my friends.
I used to sing this song in the car.
I used to sing this song during karaoke nights.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It is more general and does not specify the speaker's personal involvement.

"used to sing the song"

This phrase is used when referring to the act of singing the song in the past without emphasizing the personal experience of the speaker.

Examples:

Many people used to sing the song at weddings.
She used to sing the song in her school choir.
He used to sing the song in a band.
They used to sing the song together as a family.
The students used to sing the song during school assemblies.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 03, 2024

Feb 8, 2019 ... I recently asked my workmates how the used to sing the song and here are the responses I got: “Bubbly gun bubbly gun number 28 I went for a ...
Dec 5, 2018 ... More below on that, but first, here's how my mom used to sing the song, more or less: “Oh, the moon shines bright on Charlie Chaplin / His ...
Mar 2, 2016 ... She used to sing the song as a kid all the time because she missed her father, and says she saw her father's photographs more often than she ...
Dec 2, 2016 ... My grandmother used to sing the song, “The Old Gray Mare” to me. I was so into horses (big, pretty ones) I wasn't really interested or ...
Jul 31, 2013 ... I used to sing the song quietly to myself and cry, as I walked down the block each morning. Knowing that I had to work hard to not let God ...
Dec 24, 2010 ... I used to sing the song a lot back in the days of the folk scare. I didn't know I was making anyone angry. I was just learning my first ...
Apr 25, 2015 ... A little while later I heard the version on the Old Swan Band's second LP, Old Swan Brand, and John Jones also used to sing the song at Oyster ...
May 22, 2011 ... When I was in state elementary school we used to sing the song: I hear the sound of rustling in the leaves of the trees, The Spirit of the ...
Apr 25, 2015 ... A little while later I heard the version on the Old Swan Band's second LP, Old Swan Brand, and John Jones also used to sing the song at Oyster ...
Mar 8, 2006 ... My Irish grandmother used to sing the song to entertain us wee ones. Her verse about the preacher was a little different: Holy smoke! The ...

Alternatives:

People used to sing the song at events.
She used to sing the song with her classmates.
He used to sing the song on stage.
They used to sing the song in the car.
The children used to sing the song in music class.

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

I used to sing this song vs used to sing the song

"I used to sing this song"

"used to sing the song"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text