Talking about Past Habits

Talking about the Past

When I was a kidSometimes, we talk about events that happen at a specific moment in the past (usually in one ocassion only). Susan graduated from College last year.

But what about habits in the past?

In that case we can talk about habits or past states using used to before the verb. Ex:When I was a kid, I used to be very shy.

Talking about changesThe most common context is when we make comments on our childhood. Ex:I used to be a short kid, but now Im a tall guy

Is the person in the last example short in the present?

We can also make questions with used to:Did you use to have many toys?Yes I did // No I didntNo!

Im confused.In total, we have 3 ways of talking in Past:

But when do we use one or another??

Dont worry! There are specific moments when you use each form Simple Past

Past Progressive

Used to

RELAX!

When to useSimple Past is for specific actions (usually short actions that happen just once). Ex:We ate the pie- Sandra got marriedGreen bay won the XLV Super bowl

Past progressive is for long actions that took place in the past (sometimes we use when and while in these type of sentences). Ex:Ricky Martin was hiding his real feelingsI hate you! When I was using the bathroom, you called me on the phone!Carlos played his guitar while I was studying Math.

And finallyWe already know that used to is for habits or past states in the past that dont continue in the present:I used to have many Transformers for Christmas.Jane used to prepare pies, but she doesnt have time anymore.Disney cartoons used to be funny back in 1980.

Now you can talk about your past!

I used to look like Vin Diesel