Edun, Yusuf
We would like to examine how Nigerians employ the modal auxiliary verbs(used to) and the phrase (am used to)
Let’s first look at some examples of the circumstances in which most of us use the verb(used to) before diving into its meaning.
For examples:
I used to call my mom every night.
I used to read the scripture on Fridays.
These kinds of statements, which are correct in terms of syntactic structure but erroneous in terms of semantic meaning, are common among us.
What am I trying to say?
In terms of syntax, “I used to call my mom every night” is correct since the sentence’s grammatical structure is sound.
However, “I used to call my mom every night” is semantically incorrect because the meaning of the statement differs from our intended meaning.
How?
Thank you, let me explain.
“Used to” is an example of a modal auxiliary verb, which indicates that an action was completed in the past.
Hence, “I used to call my mum every night.” is grammatically correct if all you mean is that you used to call your mother, but no longer do.
However, if you mean you habitually call her, “used to” will be erroneous to use here.
Say “I am used to calling my mom every night” or “I usually call her every night” or “I always call her every night”.
Used to or I am used to?
“I am used to” is used to denote that an action has been happening in the past and still persists, while “used to” is used if the event was done and finished in the past only.
Right: I am used to calling my mom every night.
Wrong: I used to call my mom every night.
Right: I am used to reading the scripture on Fridays.
Wrong: I used to read the scripture on Fridays.
