'used to' or 'past simple'

The difference between "I used to play with dolls when I was a child" and "I played with dolls when I was a child".

'Used to' is only used for states, habits routines and ability that have finished: I used to live in Bangkok; I used to smoke; I used to get up at 6 am when I was a student.

I can say: I went to chiang mai three times last year, but not: *I used to go to chiang mai three times last year.

You can, however, say: I used to live in Bangkok but now I live in Phitsanulok; I used to smoke forty cigarettes a day but now I only smoke five a day and I used to go to chiang mai three times a year but now I go only once a year; I used to be able to swim 10km when I was young but now I can only swim 100m before I get tired.– these are changes of state, habit, routine and ability. You can also use the past simple in these cases but possibly 'used to' is more common.

Often they have the same meaning as in sentences, though 'used to play' is less formal than 'played'. 'Used to play' usually makes it clear that you no longer play with dolls whereas 'played' leaves it open to the possibility that you still do, as in: I played with dolls when I was a child and I still do.

I hope that helps.

Toon

[Nathavuth]

Keep going Toon, good work and thanks.