Used To - Common Errors Exercises
B2 Level
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Using "would" with state verbs is another common trap: "I would be shy" is wrong because "be" is a state verb — say "I used to be shy" instead. Learners also confuse "I didn't use to" (past habit that didn't exist) with "I wasn't used to" (past discomfort). Finally, some learners create a present form — "I use to walk" — which does not exist in modern English. Recognising and correcting these errors is essential for B2 level accuracy and is regularly tested in Cambridge B2 First examinations.
Quick Rule
Common error → Correct form (error correction pattern)
- 1.I am used to working late. NOT: I am used to work late. (gerund after "be used to")
- 2.Did you use to play football? NOT: Did you used to play? (no "d" after "did")
- 3.She used to be very shy. NOT: She would be very shy. (state verb — no "would")
- 4.He isn't used to the cold weather. NOT: He doesn't used to the cold. ("be" + used to = familiarity)
- 5.We didn't use to have a car. NOT: We weren't used to have a car. (past habit negative)
All 20 questions
Each sentence contains a common error. Choose the CORRECT form. Focus on: verb forms (infinitive vs gerund), 'used to' vs 'be used to', and 'would' restrictions. Choose the CORRECT form.
I _____ live in Paris before I moved to London. (am used to / used to / use to)
She is _____ working long hours now. (use to / used to / used)
I'm used to _____ early. (waking / to wake / wake)
He _____ be very shy when he was young. (would / is used to / used to)
Did you _____ play tennis? (used to / use to / using to)
I used to _____ a lot of coffee. (drink / drinking / to drink)
They _____ have a big garden before. (are used to / would / used to)
I didn't _____ like vegetables. (using to / use to / used to)
She's getting used to _____ alone. (to live / live / living)
There _____ be a cinema here. (would / used to / is used to)
I'm not used to _____ up so early. (get / getting / to get)
He _____ know everyone in the village. (used to / would / is used to)
We _____ visit our grandparents every Sunday. (used to / would / are used to)
I can't get used to _____ spicy food. (to eat / eat / eating)
She _____ believe in fairy tales. (would / used to / is used to)
I used _____ smoke, but I quit. (to / for / -)
Are you used to _____ in traffic? (driving / to drive / drive)
I _____ want to be a doctor when I was young. (am used to / used to / would)
He never used _____ exercise, but now he runs daily. (- / for / to)
I'm slowly getting used to _____ English at work. (speak / to speak / speaking)
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