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Rule "Missing past tense for 'used to...'"

This is one of many errors that LanguageTool can detect.

Description: Missing past tense for 'used to...'
Message: Make sure that '\2 \3' is correct. For habitual actions in the past or to mean 'accustomed to', use <suggestion>used to</suggestion>.
Category: Grammar (ID: GRAMMAR)
Link: https://languagetool.org/insights/post/word-choice-use-or-usage/#%E2%80%9Cuse%E2%80%9D-as-a-verb
Incorrect sentences
that this rule can detect:
  • I didn't know Tom use to live in Boston.
    Correction suggestion: used to
  • He use to believe this.
    Correction suggestion: used to
  • I use to own a 2011 Sienna.
    Correction suggestion: used to
  • Where can I find all those other apps that use to be available?
    Correction suggestion: used to
Correct sentences
for comparison:
  • It can be used to save lives
  • Tom didn't use to drink so much.
  • That is the term that futurists use to describe a potentially cataclysmic point.
  • This could set a dangerous precedent that they would surely use to target other journalists.
  • What language did you use to communicate?
  • Did you use to drink a lot?
  • Please read the terms of use to understand our legal requirements.
  • What language do you two use to communicate?
  • Set the languages you usually use to write texts.
  • A good use to make use of the extra veggies you have is to make a frittata.
  • This is a process doctors use to educate their patients.
  • What would you use to explore this sort of thing?
  • A massive rocket that the space agency wants to use to return humans to the moon.
  • Which things would you use to describe this chemical formula?
  • Did Tom use to play hooky?
  • How often did the neighbour's unruly children use to skip school?
  • This is the laptop that I use to code on.
  • ...by some methanogenic archaea in enzymes that they use to produce methane.
  • The modern presidential campaign begins before the primary elections, which the two major political parties use to clear the field of candidates before their national nominating conventions.
  • Didn't you use to be a teacher?
  • Which would you ever use to become better?
  • Which I'd really use to become better.
  • 6 processes weak use to increase PF
  • But no matter which channel you use to polish your texts, LanguageTool always guarantees you a high-quality spelling and grammar check.
  • It's no use to complain
  • ... and its use to keep us safe
  • This works with everything you use to control your lights, Dimmers, Alexa, etc.
  • Pressed an axle - no idea the length or diameter or whatever you use to measure it, or the weight, but it was a lot of fun.
  • Which options can I use to pay?
  • Which options can our customers use to pay?
  • What rental options can our new customers use to drive a car?
  • LanguageTool supports all the tools professional writers use to excel.
  • Finally, we will give them a document which we will suggest they use to go to the banks which are holding the LC's related to the block forward trades, which document will facilitate the transfer of the LC's to CDWR's bank.
  • Please note the standard conditions which SWPC use to calculate the Specific Gravity as this is significant in calculating the Gas Index (section 2) and subsequently the Gas Index Limits (section 2.1.1).
  • A King Tide is a popular, non-scientific term people often use to describe exceptionally high tides.
  • Include anything else you use to replicate the issue
  • ... specify general behaviors that Bluetooth enabled devices use to communicate with other Bluetooth devices.
ID: USE_TO_VERB [1]
Version: 6.8-SNAPSHOT (2025-10-30 22:33:07 +0100)