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.

Parents used to be able to borrow up to the full cost of their child’s undergraduate education.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 1, 2026

It used to be said that infidelity and money woes were the main causes of broken marriages.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2026

PMOS, which affects around one in eight women, used to be known as polycystic ovary syndrome but was renamed in May, external to better reflect the broad impact it can have across the body.

From BBC • Jun. 30, 2026

“It used to be that quantum computing was quite a global effort, of colleagues and many different countries around the world,” he told Barron’s.

From Barron's • Jun. 29, 2026

There used to be diamond-shaped signs leading the way.

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton