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Wasn't used to doing something or didn't use to do something?

What's the difference between I wasn't used to doing something or I didn't use to do something? For example, is there any difference here:

1. I wasn't used to riding a bike when I was five.

2. I didn't use to ride a bike when I was five.

 

 


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nmesomtoChukwu profile picture nmesomtoChukwuMarch 2019
Actually, both sentences are not quite correct. The first should rather be 'I wasn't accustomed to doing something'.
The second should be 'I never did something'. For example:
1. I wasn't accustomed to riding a bike.
2. I never rode a bike in when I was five.

The Explanation
'I wasn't used to doing something' means that in the past, the speaker (or writer) wasn't accustomed to performing a particular action (doing something).

On the other hand, 'I didn't use to do something' means that the speaker (or writer) never performed the action (did something) in the past.

I hope this helps.
  • AussieInBg profile picture AussieInBgNovember 2021
    ”accustomed to” has a somewhat different meaning to ”used to”.

    ”accustomed to” is all about the process of getting into the habit of doing sth whereas ”used to” is about already being in the habit of doing sth.

    In other words,”accustomed” emphasises acquiring the habit and ”used to” stresses that the habit has been acquired.
  • AussieInBg profile picture AussieInBgNovember 2021
    They are indeed standard and correct English - but are more used in British English than American English...
  • Vsevuskav profile picture VsevuskavJanuary 2021
    I don’t think it’s right to say that they are improper. Even my dictionary acknowledges them as part of standard and correct English.
  • exRanger profile picture exRangerMarch 2019
    Or variants:

    1. I wasn't accustomed to riding a bike.
    > I wasn't used to riding a bike.

    2. I never rode a bike in when I was five.
    I didn't ride a bike when I was five.