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Whatchadoin Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Used to

I used to be good at it.
I was good at it.

Are 'was' and 'were' in such cases more likely to be used with a specific time? Is it odd to use them without it like above? Is 'used to' more natural when a time isn't mentioned?

Thank you very much.
  

Top answer

The two expressions are often seen as equal in meaning. I would say that "I used to be good at it" implies that you are no longer good at it. "I was good at it" seems a little more vague.

— Doctor D

  • The two expressions are often seen as equal in meaning.
  • I would say that "I used to be good at it" implies that you are no longer good at it.
  • "I was good at it" seems a little more vague.
  • Maybe you are still good at it (whatever it is) and maybe not.
  • Either could be linked to a specific time.
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2 Answers
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The two expressions are often seen as equal in meaning. I would say that "I used to be good at it" implies that you are no longer good at it. "I was good at it" seems a little more vague. Maybe you are still good at it (whatever it is) and maybe not. Either could be linked to a specific time.

I used to be good at it, when I still lifted weights.
I was good at it, back when I was l
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whatchadoinwith a specific time?
It might depend on how specific you want to get. Neither sounds particularly good with a really specific time.

I used to be good at it in May of 2007.
I was good at it in May of 2007.

A more striking difference, I think, is that the "was good" version makes more sense if it expresses success after a state
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