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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