Which one is correct?
"used to" or "things that used to"?

Question

Which one is correct?
"used to" or "things that used to"?

TextRanch: The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

One of our experts will correct your English.

100% Human-Powered Editing!

This phrase is used to talk about past habits, states, or actions that were regular or habitual in the past but are no longer true in the present. It is often followed by the base form of a verb.

Alternatives:

was accustomed to
was in the habit of

This phrase is used to talk about particular things or activities that were done in the past but are not done anymore. It is often followed by a verb to describe the action that used to take place.

Alternatives:

activities that used to
items that used to

Both "things that used to" and "used to" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Used to" is commonly used to talk about past habits or states that are no longer true, while "things that used to" is used to refer to specific items or activities that were done in the past but are no longer done.

Last Updated: March 11, 2024