Use/Used

[Taz_Zoee]

Ok, which one do you use when you say something like I *was* skinny?
I used to be skinny.
I use to be skinny.

This has been driving me nuts for a while, and I'm pretty anal about these kinds of things (not that I have perfect grammar by any means) but I like to do things correctly if I can.

Anyone?

[Karen]

It is only correct to spell it "I used to be skinny."

People get confused because when you say it aloud, the "d" on used and the "t" on to run together.

[vinjashira]

when you make it a question does it become

"did you use to be skinny?"

or still

"did you used to be skinny?"

thanks!

[Ginger's Mom]

I have another question. How did "used" come to be used like that? If that made sense. Of what word is it a past tense? I mean, I use it all of the time, but I was wondering how it came to be a proper word.

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

My English isn't that correct either; but I am very sure that "I used to be skinny" is the only correct spelling

[Medusa]

I have another question. How did "used" come to be used like that?

My thoughts exactly. I think it makes more sense to say "I was" rather than "I used to be". The latter just doesn't sound right.

[catnapper]

Use is present tense. Used is past. So in your question, if I WAS skinnier, then I would "use" used. Technically the proper form of the statement would be "I once was skinny"

BTW, I can never say I was ever skinny.

[jennielynn1970]

I was just going to say it sounds better, or more grammatically correct, if you say "I had been skinny/thin." or "I was once skinny/thin."

[CountryWolf07]

I often say "used" than "was"..

[Catty1]

Posted by Vinjashira:

when you make it a question does it become

"did you use to be skinny?"

or still

"did you used to be skinny?"

thanks!

It's the second one - "did you used" - but both are improper grammar.

"Were you ever skinny?" is good - but watch the tone of voice. "Were you EVER skinny?" could be an insult! Also, "Were you EVER SKINNY!" could be good - especially if someone is recovering from an eating disorder.

Another way: "Have you always been skinny?" Less risk involved! LOL

[Ginger's Mom]

Actually, according to the American Heritage Dictionary, even in the present tense the correct word would be "used." For example: I am getting used to this new computer; or, I am not used to this cold weather. I am still not exactly sure how it came into use, but it appears to be from the Middle English. It is very odd, and I agree with everyone that says it just sounds wrong. However, having said that I will admit to using the term when I am too tired or lazy to form what may be a more grammatically correct sentence. (Similarly, I will end a sentence with a preposition when I don't feel like working at making a proper sentence.)

[Taz_Zoee]

Well then, I've been using it correctly. Although, I think sometimes I've put use instead of used. Oh well. Most of the time I say used. For some reason I use that phrase frequently. I think I am going to have to start using different phrases. LOL!
Thanks everyone for your input.
(reading all these posts...now the word use(d) just sounds weird)

[smokey the elder]

A lot of things in English are odd if you think about them too much. Makes it a nightmare for our expat friends from around the world!

[Edwina's Secretary]

I remeber freezing on a exam in junior high school (and that was a long time ago!) because I could not figure out how to spell "used". Ever since, I try and avoid it altogether!

[BitsyNaceyDog]

(I'm answering without reading any of the other repliess so not to be infulienced.)

I always say "used to"