Objective: Students at the end of this lesson will be able
work with the following grammar structures: Use of
past habits
The present perfect continuous tense (also known as the
present perfect progressive tense) shows that something
started in the past and is continuing at the present time.
The present perfect continuous is formed using the
construction has/have been + the present participle (root +
(root + -ing).
Used to' for past habits
We use 'used to' to talk about past events which we no longer do. We only use it to talk about
the past; there is no similar expression for the present.
'I studied French, but I don’t anymore.' → 'I used to study French.'
'In the past I smoked, but I don't now.' → 'I used to smoke.'
Asking questions using 'use to’
We usually use 'did' when we ask about past habits.
The typical question form is:
'Did you use to watch Mickey Mouse?'
'Did you use to like school?’
Note: 'Use to' is used in the question form not 'used to'.
Answering 'use to' questions
'Use to' questions can be answered in a couple of
ways. Take a look at the follwing question and
response:
'Did you use to wear a school uniform?’
'Yes, I used to wear a horrible uniform!'
(or in negative sentences)
'I didn't use to wear a uniform'. or 'I used
not to...'
Practice: Make an affirmative sentence, negative
sentence or question using 'used to + infinitive':
1) I / live in a flat when I was a child.
2) Tiara and Ericka / go to the beach every summer?
3) Mr Zapata / love eating chocolate, but now she hates it
4) Mr Reyes / not / speak English
5) Rocio / be able to speak French, but she has forgotten it all
6) Javier / study Portuguese