Lesson Transcript

Let's look at the sentence pattern.
Do you remember the focus sentence from the dialogue?
Because we have installed energy-saving light bulbs in all of our facilities, we use far less energy than we used to.
This sentence follows the pattern here.
This pattern is the structure that all of our examples will follow.
[Present tense clause] + than [pronoun] used to
[Present tense clause] + as [adverb/quantifier] as [pronoun] used to
This sentence pattern is used to talk about changes or improvements compared to the past. It’s especially useful when highlighting positive developments in a company, showing how things are now better, more efficient, or more responsible than they were before.
Let’s go part by part.
The present tense clause describes what is true or happening now — it reflects the current situation or performance.
The second part compares this present situation to the past.
When using “than [pronoun] used to”, the speaker is saying that something has decreased or improved compared to before.
When using “as [adverb/quantifier] as [pronoun] used to”, the speaker is showing whether the current level matches or differs from what it once was.
Let’s see how the line from the dialogue follows this pattern.
“Because we have installed energy-saving light bulbs in all of our facilities, we use far less energy than we used to.”
The present tense clause is “we use far less energy” — this describes the company’s current energy usage.
The second part — “than we used to” — compares the present situation with the past. It shows that the company used more energy before, but now the amount is much lower.
So the full sentence follows the pattern:
Present tense clause (“we use far less energy”) + than + pronoun + used to (“than we used to”)
This structure is useful when describing positive progress over time, especially when showing specific actions the company has taken to improve its operations.
Now let's look at some speaking examples.
These days, I save a lot more money than I used to.
Can you see how the pattern applies here?
The present tense clause is “I save a lot more money.” This is followed by the comparison “than I used to,” which refers to a past habit or routine. The sentence highlights improvement over time using the than + used to structure.
Next…
I attend more meetings than I used to.
This sentence starts with the present tense clause “I attend more meetings,” and compares it to the past with “than I used to.” It follows the same pattern and emphasizes a recent increase in activity or responsibility.
Let’s try one more,
Since having kids, I don’t go out as often as I used to.
Here, the present tense clause is “I don’t go out” and it’s compared to the past with “as I used to.” The adverb “often” completes the comparison structure: as [adverb] as [pronoun] used to. This sentence shows a decrease in activity compared to before.
Another one.
I don’t travel as much as I used to.
This uses the present clause “I don’t travel,” and compares it with the past: “as much as I used to.” The word “much” functions as a quantifier here. It fits the second pattern, showing reduced travel compared to earlier habits.
One last example.
Because of cloud-based services, I use the copy machine less than I used to.
The main clause is “I use the copy machine less,” and the comparison is “than I used to.” It follows the first pattern and emphasizes improvement or efficiency due to newer technology.

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