English Study Guide: Simple Past, Past

Perfect, "Used to," and "Didn't Use To"

I. Past vs Past Perfect

II. "Used to" and "Didn't Use To":
Concept: Past habits or states no longer true in the present.

Use: Express habits or states that were regular in the past but have changed.

Example: I used to play the piano when I was a child.

B. "Didn't Use To" (Negation of past habits or states):

Use: Express that something was not a habit or state in the past but has changed.

Example: She didn't use to like spicy food, but now she does.
III. Practice Exercises:
A. Simple Past vs. Past Perfect:

Fill in the blanks:

1. She ______ (finish) her homework before she went to the party.
2. By the time we arrived, they already ______ (leave).
3. He ______ (study) English for five years before he moved to the United States.

Rewrite the sentences:

1. I ate dinner before I ____(watch) the movie.

2. They left because they ____(finish) their work.
3. Before she arrived, the concert ____(begin).

B. "Used to" and "Didn't Use To":

Complete the sentences with used to or didn’t use to:

We ______ live in the city, but now we live in the countryside.

She ______ eat meat, but now she's a vegetarian.

They ______ play video games, but now they prefer outdoor activities.

Write sentences with used to base on the prompts:

live in a small town.

Ex. My mother used to live in a small town.

1. like coffee.
2. play the guitar.
3. Travel around the country
4. Bake cakes and desserts.
5. Have a pet
C. Reading Comprehension:

Read the passage and answer questions:

Changes Over Time

Tom and Emily grew up in a bustling city but later moved to a quiet suburban
neighborhood. When they were kids, they used to spend their weekends exploring
museums and attending city events. However, after the move, their lifestyle changed.

In the suburbs, Tom and Emily found a peaceful environment. They didn't use to have a
backyard in the city, but now they enjoy gardening and hosting outdoor gatherings. The
shift from the city's fast pace to the calm suburbs brought about several positive changes
in their lives.

Answer the following Questions:

1. Where did Tom and Emily grow up?

2. What did they use to do on weekends when they were kids?
3. Why did Tom and Emily move to the suburbs?
4. How has their lifestyle changed in the suburbs?
5. What activities do Tom and Emily enjoy now that they didn't use to do in the city?

D. Vocabulary

Study vocabulary units 1 and 2.