The construction “used to” is a common sight on the IELTS exam, often appearing when past habits or states are discussed. Understanding its nuances is key to achieving a higher band score. Let’s explore how this seemingly simple phrase can significantly impact your IELTS performance.
For instance, imagine you’re presented with a Speaking cue card asking you to describe a childhood hobby you no longer pursue. You might say, “I used to spend hours building Lego castles, but now I prefer reading“. Or, in the Writing Task 2 essay about the changing lifestyles in your country, you could write, “Families used to have dinner together every evening, but nowadays this tradition is fading away due to busy schedules“. These examples highlight how “used to” effectively contrasts the past with the present.
Family Dinner Tradition
Understanding “Used To” in IELTS
“Used to” signifies something that was customary or occurred regularly in the past but is no longer true in the present. It indicates a change in habit, situation, or state. This grammatical structure frequently appears in both the Speaking and Writing sections of the IELTS exam, often when candidates are asked to describe changes over time, reminisce about the past, or compare then and now.
Using “Used To”: Formula and Application
The structure of “used to” is simple yet crucial to grasp for accurate usage:
Subject + used to + base form of the verb + …
Let’s break down its application in different sections of the IELTS:
Speaking
- Part 1: When asked about your past habits or routines, “used to” becomes your go-to phrase. For example, when asked “How often do you go to the cinema?”, you can respond with “I used to go every weekend, but now I mostly watch movies online”.
- Part 2: While describing a past event or experience, you can use “used to” to paint a vivid picture of how things were different. For instance, when describing your childhood home, you could say, “We used to have a huge backyard where we’d play cricket every evening.”
- Part 3: During the discussion round, “used to” can be employed to draw comparisons or express your opinions about changes over time. For example, “People didn’t use to rely so heavily on technology, but now it seems indispensable.”
Writing
- Task 1: When describing data trends in graphs or charts that show change over time, “used to” effectively highlights the contrast between the past and present. For instance, “In the 1990s, the majority of the population used to work in the agricultural sector, but now the service industry dominates.”
- Task 2: In essays requiring you to discuss past habits, traditions, or situations, “used to” adds clarity and flow to your writing. For example, “Children used to play outdoors until sunset, but now they’re often glued to electronic devices.”
Illustrative Examples for IELTS
Let’s solidify our understanding with more specific examples:
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Speaking Part 2: Describe a place you used to visit in your childhood.
“There was a park near my house that I used to visit every day after school. It used to be my haven, filled with the laughter of children and the fragrance of blooming flowers.” -
Writing Task 1: The graph shows the modes of transport used by commuters in London from 1980 to 2020.
“In 1980, a significant proportion of Londoners used to commute by private cars. However, by 2020, this trend had shifted, with a significant rise in the use of public transport.”
Tips for Higher Band Scores
- Vary your tenses: While “used to” focuses on the past, ensure you transition smoothly to other tenses when necessary to maintain a natural flow in your speech or writing.
- Use synonyms: Instead of overusing “used to,” incorporate synonyms like “in the past,” “formerly,” or “once,” to showcase a wider vocabulary range.
- Mind the negative and interrogative forms: Remember that the negative form is “didn’t use to,” and the interrogative form is “Did (subject) use to?”. For example, “They didn’t use to have smartphones” or “Did you use to live in the countryside?”
Common Errors to Avoid
- Using “used to” for recent or ongoing actions: Remember, it’s strictly for past habits that are no longer true.
- Confusing “used to” with “be used to” and “get used to”: These have distinct meanings – “be used to” means to be accustomed to something, while “get used to” means to become accustomed to something.
By mastering the application of “used to” and understanding its nuances, you’ll be well-equipped to express your thoughts effectively and achieve your desired band score in the IELTS exam. To further enhance your understanding of verb tenses for IELTS, you can check out this helpful resource: https://ielts.net/use-of-used-to-for-repeated-actions-in-the-past/.
