"it used to be mine" vs "this used to be mine"

Question

"it used to be mine" vs "this used to be mine"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'This used to be mine' is used when referring to a specific object or thing that belonged to the speaker in the past. 'It used to be mine' is more general and can refer to any object or thing without specifying. The choice between them depends on the level of specificity needed in the sentence.

Last Updated: March 22, 2024

This phrase is more general and can refer to any object or thing without specifying. It is used when the speaker does not need to emphasize a particular object.

Examples:

It used to be mine, but I gave it away.
It used to be mine, but I lost it.
It used to be mine, but I don't remember where I put it.
It used to be mine, but I don't use it anymore.
It used to be mine, but now it belongs to someone else.

Alternatives:

This used to be mine
That used to be mine
These used to be mine
Those used to be mine
He used to be mine

This phrase is used when the speaker wants to emphasize a particular object or thing that was previously owned by them. It adds a sense of specificity to the statement.

Examples:

This used to be mine, but I gave it to my sister.
This used to be mine, but I sold it last year.
This used to be mine, but I lost it in a move.
This used to be mine, but I don't need it anymore.
This used to be mine, but now it belongs to someone else.

Alternatives:

It used to be mine
That used to be mine
These used to be mine
Those used to be mine
He used to be mine

Answer 1

it used to be mine

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to a general object or thing that belonged to the speaker in the past.

Answer 2

this used to be mine

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to a specific object or thing that belonged to the speaker in the past.

"it used to be mine" vs "this used to be mine"

it used to be mine

this used to be mine

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