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whiffycat
Joined: 12 Nov 2007
Posts: 21
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 Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 11:35 am Post subject: "used to" in a question |
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Which is correct?
What did she used to do?
What did she use to do?
Does this question sound awkward?
I read that "used to" is only used in questions if it is informal spoken English. Is this true?
Thanks! |
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Suzanne
Joined: 21 Apr 2008
Posts: 283
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
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| Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 8:46 am Post subject: |
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Hi!
| Quote: |
What did she used to do?
What did she use to do? |
"What did she used to do?" is correct. It sounds fine, and is what a native speaker would ask. In fact, it's exactly what a native speaker would say!
"Used to" refers to repeated actions in the past.
Examples:
When we were children, we used to go sledding every winter.
When I was a student, I used to eat only once a day.
I used to drive a motorcycle, until I was able to afford a car.
People used to think that the sun revolved around the earth.
"Used to" is used all the time. I suppose if you were looking for a more formal word, you might try "formerly," but it's okay to stick with "used to" for nearly every circumstance. |
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zorro (4)
Joined: 12 Mar 2009
Posts: 14
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| Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 9:17 am Post subject: |
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Watch the spelling though.
In a negative or a question, you should drop the 'd'.
I used to play football.
I didn't use to play football.
Did you use to play football? |
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Suzanne
Joined: 21 Apr 2008
Posts: 283
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
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| Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 9:29 am Post subject: |
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Great point!
This is the great thing about Dave's ESL Cafe--someone can provide more information. It's hard to think of everything.
Thanks for jumping in! |
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whiffycat
Joined: 12 Nov 2007
Posts: 21
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| Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 9:46 pm Post subject: |
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| Thank you. That helped : ) |
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