Used To - Negative Forms Exercises

The negative of used to is didn't use to — notice that "use" drops the "d" because "did" already marks the past tense. "I didn't use to like coffee" means in the past I didn't like coffee, but now I do. This is different from not used to, which describes current discomfort: "I'm not used to waking up early" means I find early mornings difficult right now. A third negative form is can't get used to, which means someone is struggling to adapt: "She can't get used to the cold weather."

Learners often write "didn't used to" with the "d," but this is incorrect because the past tense is already shown by "did." Cambridge and IELTS exams require "didn't use to" without the "d." Another common error is confusing "didn't use to" (a past habit that didn't exist) with "wasn't used to" (past discomfort with something). The negative forms of these three structures are tested frequently at B1 and B2 level, so understanding each pattern is essential for exam success.