used to (只有過去時形式，沒有現(xiàn)在時形式)表示過去習(xí)慣動作或狀態(tài)，這種情況現(xiàn)已不復(fù)存在。例如：

He used to smoke a lot, but he has long given up smoking.

在否定陳述句或否定疑問句中，用didn't use to或usedn't to均可：

He didn't use to smoke cigarettes.

He usedn't to smoke cigarettes.

Didn't Maria use to be interested in the theatre?

Usedn't Maria to be interested in the theatre?

在肯定疑問句中也可有兩種形式：

Used you to go to the same school as Edward?

Did you use to go to the same school as Edward?

近義詞辨析

use, apply, avail, employ, utilize

這組詞均含有“使用”或“利用”之意。

use

強(qiáng)調(diào)利用人或物作為工具。

He used up all his resources in experimenting with the new paint.他為實(shí)驗(yàn)新的涂料，花光了一切錢財(cái)。

apply

指把某物或某種方法、原理等加以應(yīng)用。

We should not only know the theory but also know how to apply it to practice.我們不僅要知道理論，還要知道怎樣把理論應(yīng)用于實(shí)踐。

avail

指使用就近的或他人給予的東西，或使別人為自己提供服務(wù)。

I don't think complaints will avail you much.我覺得抱怨對你沒多大用處。

We avail ourselves of every opportunity to speak English.我們利用一切機(jī)會講英語。

employ

指使用未被利用的東西;用于人時表示雇用。

He doesn't know how to employ his energy and time.他不知道該怎么利用他的精力和時間。

utilize

指充分發(fā)揮某物的作用，使無用的東西變有用，或使人或物有新用途。

She hopes to utilize her artistic talents in the job.她希望在工作中發(fā)揮她的藝術(shù)才能。