Used to vs Simple past

Question

Dear friends;

"Used to" seems to add extra information, if we "used to play chess" that means:

a) I played chess frequently.

b) I did not play it now.

However, is grammatically incorrect using the simple past instead of "used to"? In others words, is there any case when it would be compulsory "used to" and the past would be incorrect?

Thank you!

Dj Bueno · Accepted Answer

The correct answer should have been "I do not play it anymore." instead of "I did not play it now."

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Used to" seems to add extra information, if we "used to play chess" that means:

a) I played chess frequently.

b) I do not play it now.

However, is it grammatically incorrect using the simple past instead of "used to"? In others words, is there any case when it would be compulsory "used to" and the past would be incorrect?

Here are a couple of comments.

Conversation A:

I say: Please tell me about yourself.

You say: I used to play chess.

I say: That's interesting. Chess is a great game.

Conversation B:

I say: Please tell me about yourself.

You say: I played chess.

I say: Oh, when?

'Used to' places it in the 'indefinite' past, as a habit. Simple Past places it at a point in time, that needs to be specified; it also does not convey the idea of a habit.

Best wishes, Clive

Anonymous · Answer

we use "used to" for past habits which happened regularly in the past not for the things that happened only once at one time or we use it for the things that were true for a long while but not true anymore.

Anonymous · Answer

native speakers usually prefer simple past over used to.

That structure is usually managed by speakers as a regret rather than a past habit.

Used to vs Simple past

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