Use/Used

[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!