used to be

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Zegna used to be a simpler house, run privately as a family concern.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Supporting the U.S. team used to be the default for American soccer fans.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

"The sense of mystery used to be so strong and we've lost that now."

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

"It used to be somewhat hard to make these things. Now anyone can do it in seconds," said Brian Long, chief executive of Adaptive Security, a company offering trainings on AI fraud protection.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

Louella said it used to be blue and it used to have bunnies on it, but now it just looked like my father’s car-washing rag.

From "The Best School Year Ever" by Barbara Robinson