19. Reflecting on Past Habits: Adya and Akbar’s Conversation (Used to Usage)

“Used to” is a phrase we use to talk about things that happened regularly or were true in the past but are not happening or true anymore. Here’s an explanation for 10-year-olds:

Imagine you had a favorite toy that you played with every day when you were younger, but now you don’t play with it anymore because you’ve grown older. You could say, “I used to play with my favorite toy every day.” This means that playing with the toy was something you did regularly in the past, but you don’t do it anymore.

Here are some examples of how you can use “used to” in sentences:

1. I used to ride my bike to school, but now I take the bus.
2. She used to have long hair, but she cut it short last year.
3. We used to visit our grandparents every weekend, but now we only see them on holidays.
4. They used to live in the city, but now they live in the countryside.
5. He used to play soccer, but now he prefers basketball.

“Used to” helps us talk about changes over time and things that were once true but are different now. It’s a useful phrase for explaining how things were in the past compared to how they are now.

In the following conversation, Adya and Akbar reminisce about their past habits using “used to” to talk about things they did regularly in the past. They also discuss the positive changes they’ve made to their daily routines and habits. This conversation helps them reflect on their growth and encourage each other to continue improving.

Adya: Hey Akbar, do you remember when we used to stay up late playing video games every night?

Akbar: Oh yeah, I remember those days! We used to stay awake until midnight trying to beat each other’s high scores.

Adya: It’s funny to think about it now. I can’t believe we used to do that every night.

Akbar: Yeah, it’s crazy how things change. I used to feel exhausted all the time from staying up so late.

Adya: Me too! But now, I’ve changed my routine. I go to bed early and read a book before sleeping.

Akbar: That’s a good change. I used to eat junk food every day after school, but now I’ve started eating healthier snacks like fruits and nuts.

Adya: That’s awesome, Akbar! I used to watch TV for hours after finishing my homework, but now I spend that time practicing guitar instead.

Akbar: Wow, that’s a big improvement! I used to procrastinate a lot and leave my homework until the last minute, but now I’ve learned to manage my time better.

Adya: Same here! I used to rush through my chores so I could go out and play, but now I take my time and do them properly.

Akbar: It’s funny how we used to have all these bad habits, but now we’ve both changed for the better.

Adya: Yeah, it feels good to have healthier habits now. Let’s keep encouraging each other to stick to them!

Difficult words from the conversation along with their meanings and examples:

1. Procrastinate: (verb) delay or postpone action; put off doing something Example: I tend to procrastinate when it comes to studying for exams, but I’m trying to break that habit.
2. Reminisce: (verb) indulge in enjoyable recollection of past events Example: Grandma loves to reminisce about her childhood and the adventures she had with her siblings.
3. Encourage: (verb) give support, confidence, or hope to someone Example: My friends always encourage me to pursue my dreams and never give up.

Assignment:

Reflect on your past habits and routines using the conversation between Adya and Akbar as inspiration. Record a conversation with a friend or family member where you discuss the changes you’ve made to your daily routine and habits over time. Share examples of habits you used to have and how you’ve replaced them with healthier or more positive ones. Discuss the reasons behind these changes and how they have impacted your life for the better. Encourage each other to continue making positive changes and supporting each other along the way. Remember to speak naturally and express your thoughts and feelings honestly.