What is the past tense of "use"?

The past simple of "use" is "used". I use my phone every day.

What is the past participle of "use"?

The past participle of "use" is "used". Use it after have/has/had: "I have used".

What is a common mistake with "use"?

Wrong: "I used to go there weekly.". Correct: "I used to go there every week.". 'Used to' means past habit; weekly is adverb.

How do you pronounce "use"?

/juːz/ — Verb: /juːz/ (z sound). Noun: /juːs/ (s sound).

Conjugation of "Use" — All Forms, Examples, and Usage

Q: Is "use" regular or irregular?

"Use" is a regular English verb. Both past simple and past participle are formed by adding -ed.

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All 12 Tenses of "Use"

Quick reference table — every tense form of "use" with the first-person example and a link to the grammar guide for that tense.

Tense	Example (I)	Quick rule
Simple Present	`I use`	Used for habits, facts, routines, and permanent situations. Full rule →
Simple Past	`I used`	Used for completed actions at a specific time in the past. Full rule →
Simple Future	`I will use`	Used for predictions, decisions made at the moment, and promises. Full rule →
Present Continuous	`I am using`	Used for actions happening right now or temporary situations. Full rule →
Past Continuous	`I was using`	Used for actions in progress at a specific moment in the past. Full rule →
Future Continuous	`I will be using`	Used for actions that will be in progress at a specific future time. Full rule →
Present Perfect	`I have used`	Used for past actions with present relevance, life experiences, or unfinished situations. Full rule →
Past Perfect	`I had used`	Used for an action that was completed before another past action. Full rule →
Future Perfect	`I will have used`	Used for an action that will be completed before a specific future time. Full rule →
Present Perfect Continuous	`I have been using`	Used for actions that started in the past and continue now, with focus on duration. Full rule →
Past Perfect Continuous	`I had been using`	Used for ongoing actions in the past that continued up to another past moment. Full rule →
Future Perfect Continuous	`I will have been using`	Used for actions that will have been ongoing up until a specific future time. Full rule →

Past Tense of "Use" — Used

The past simple of "use" is "used" — formed by adding "-ed". Use it for actions that were completed at a specific time in the past, such as "yesterday", "last week", or "in 2020". For the full grammar of this tense, see our simple past tense guide.

Past Participle of "Use" — Used

The past participle of "use" is "used" — the same form as the past simple, since "use" is a regular verb. Use it after "have/has/had" for perfect tenses ("I have used") and after "be" for passive voice ("It was used").

Is "Use" Regular or Irregular?

"Use" is a regular English verb. Its past simple and past participle are both formed by adding "-ed" to give "used". The 3rd-person singular present is "uses" and the gerund/present participle is "using".

Conjugation pattern: regular -ed

How to Pronounce "Use" and Its Forms

Use: /juːz/ — Stress pattern: O

Verb: /juːz/ (z sound). Noun: /juːs/ (s sound).

How to Use "Use" — Common Grammar Patterns

Pattern: use + object. Can add to infinitive: use to go.

use + object
use + for + noun
use + to + infinitive

Example Sentences with "Use" in Different Tenses

Simple Present: I use my phone every day. A1

Common Collocations with "Use"

use a computer — I use a computer for my job.
use time — Don't use all your time on one task.
use energy — This process uses a lot of energy.
use properly — Please use this equipment properly.
use for — What do you use this tool for?

When to Use "Use" vs Similar Verbs

Smart synonyms — when to use each one

employ — more formal for using people or methods
utilize — formal or technical settings
operate — when handling machines or equipment

Antonyms: discard, waste

Common Mistakes with "Use"

Wrong: He use a pencil.
Correct: He uses a pencil.
Add "s" for third-person singular.
Wrong: I using a new phone now.
Correct: I am using a new phone now. / I use a new phone now.
Use continuous (am using) or simple present (use).
Wrong: They using the resource last week.
Correct: They used the resource last week.
Use simple past (used), not present continuous, for completed past actions.

Origin and Etymology of "Use"

From Old French user, from Latin usus.

Other Forms of "Use"

Adjective: used

Conjugation Tables for "Use"

Negative Forms

Simple present: I do not use · He does not use
Simple past: I did not use · She did not use
Present perfect: I have not used · He has not used

Question Forms

Simple present: Do you use? · Does he use?
Simple past: Did you use?
Present perfect: Have you used?

Passive Voice (where applicable)

Simple present passive: It is used
Simple past passive: It was used
Present perfect passive: It has been used

Frequently Asked Questions About "Use"

Is "use" regular or irregular?: "use" is a regular verb. Add -ed for past simple and past participle: "used".
What is the past tense of "use"?: The simple past of "use" is "used".
When do I use simple present vs present continuous with "use"?: Use simple present for habits, facts, and routines: "I use every day." Use present continuous for actions happening right now: "I am using right now."
What's a common mistake with "use"?: Add "s" for third-person singular. Wrong: "He use a pencil." Correct: "He uses a pencil."