This document discusses the use of "usually" and "used to" when describing present and past habits. For present habits, "usually" or "normally" are used with the present simple. For past habits, "used to" or the past simple can be used, with "used to" implying the habit no longer occurs. It also distinguishes between "used to" and "be/get used to", noting "used to" refers to past habits while "be/get used to" means to be accustomed to something.

1. Present and Past Habits
Usually and Used to
EF Intermediate 5B

2. Present Habits
• Usually
For present habits we can use usually or
normally + present simple
I usually get up at seven
She normally works in the garden every Sunday

3. Past Habits
• For past habits we use the past simple, or
used to/didn’t use to + infinitive
We used to go to France for our holidays when I
was a child
He didn’t use to do any exercise as a child, but
now he runs marathons.

4. Used to/didn’t use to + inf
• We use used to for things that were true over a
period of time in the past.
• Used to often refers to something which is not
true now.
We used to be friends, but we don’t talk to each
other any more.
• Any more/any longer (=not now) are often used in
the present simple clause to contrast with used to

5. Used to/didn’t use to + inf
• Used to/didn’t use to can be used with both action
and non-action verbs.
I used to be a good guitar player, but I can’t play a
note any more
I didn’t use to like motorbikes, but I run a motorbike
shop now.

6. Past habits: past simple vs used to
• We can also use the past simple to describe past
habits (often with an adverb of frequency)
I lived in the city centre until I got married
I used to live in the city centre until I got married
We (often) went to France on holiday when I was little
We used to go to France on holiday when I was little

7. Past habits: past simple vs used to
• If the action happened only once or we mention exact
dates or numbers, we have to use past simple
I went to Paris last year
I used to go to Paris last year
Jack caught the train to Paris 4 times last week
Jack used to to catch the train to Paris 4 times last week

8. Present vs Past Habits
• DO NOT use use to (in the present) to speak about
present habits. Use usually/normally
I use to get up at 6:40 every day
I usually get up at 6:40 every day

9. be used to/get used to
• Don’t confuse used to/didn’t use to + infinitive with
be used to/get used to + gerund
I used to get up early every day when I was a child
I’m used to getting up early every day (I’m accustomed
to it. I always do it so it’s not a problem for me)
I can’t get used to getting up early to work again after
the holiday (I’m not accustomed now, it’s a problem for
me)