The document discusses the differences between expressing present and past habits. It notes that present habits are usually expressed using "usually" or "normally" with the present simple tense. Past habits can be expressed using the past simple tense or "used to" for repeated actions or states in the past. It provides examples of how to form questions and negatives using "used to." The document also distinguishes between "used to" for past habits and "be used to" or "get used to" which refer to being or becoming accustomed to something.

1. Present and Past Habits
usually and used to
EF Intermediate 5B

2. Present habits
• Usually/normally + present simple
I usually get up at 8.00 during the week
I don’t normally go out during the week
Do you usually walk to work?
NOT: I use to get up at 8.00 during the week

3. Past Habits,
Repeated Actions or States in the Past
• Past simple (often with frequency adverbs)
• Used to (with action and non-action verbs)
I lived in France when I was a child
I used to live in France when I was a child
I had a beard when I was younger
I used to have a beard when I was younger

4. Past Habits,
Repeated Actions or States in the Past
• Used to doesn’t exist in the present tense
I use to wake up early every day
(I usually/normally wake up early every day)
• Negatives: didn’t use to/never used to
He didn’t use/never used to do any exercise, but
now he runs marathons
• Questions: did … use to…?
Did you use to wear a uniform at school?

5. Past Habits,
Repeated Actions or States in the Past
not … any more/any longer – to contrast with
used to
I used to go to the gym every day, but I don’t (go)
any longer/more
We used to be good friends, but we don’t talk to
each other any more/longer

6. Be used to and get used to
• DON’T CONFUSE used to/didn’t use to (do
something) with be used to or get used to (doing
something)
Be used to (+ing) = to be accustomed to
I’m used to drinking alcohol every day, so I don’t
get drunk easily
Get used to (+ing)= to get accustomed to
If you ever go to live in England, you’ll have to get
used to driving on the left