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what is the differenc between used to be and was.for an example:                       she was a geologist with goelog company.                  or  she used to be a geologist with goelog company.in these two examples above, when i should use was and when i should use used to be.thank you.

Chalkbrd · Accepted Answer

If you say that she used to be a geologist with Goelog Company, then it emphasizes that she is not doing that anymore. It would usually be followed by what her job is now.

She used to be a geologist with Goelog Company, but now she is a professor at the University of Notre Dame.

She used to be a geologist with Goelog Company, but now she works for Rocks Rock Company.

She was a geologist with Goelog Company is merely stating a fact of what she was.

For the most part, the term "used to" stresses a regularly repeated action in the past.

I used to go to the beach on Saturdays.

I used to eat at McDonald's every Wednesday.

I used to be a French and Spanish teacher, but now I teach English as a second language.

When should you use "was" and when should you use "used to be"? Use the word "was" to give a basic fact. Use the term "used to be" if you are going to tell more about what she is doing now.

Chalk

CalifJim · Answer

Geo RiyadIn these two examples above, when should I use was, and when should I use used to be.

She used to be a geologist implies that her being a geologist came to an end. She was a geologist implies nothing of the kind, even though she may not be a geologist anymore. So it depends on whether you want to emphasize that she is no longer a geologist or not.

CJ

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