Difference between be used to and past simple tense

[Pattana]

Dear Torsten,

I have a questoin to ask you, I'm quite confused how to use between "be used to" and Past simple tense, for example; between ''I'm used to worked this company" and "I worked for this company last year". Are they the same meanning?

Regards
pattana

[Torsten]

Hi Pattana,

Thanks for your interesting question. First of all, please take a look at this:
I used to work for this company. (NOT: I used to worked for this company.)

I used to work for this company. (I worked for this company for a longer period of time in the past.)
I worked for this company last year. (I worked for this company for quite a short period of time sometime last year.)

Please let me know what you think.
Best regards,
Torsten
_________________
Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[Alan]

Hi Pattana,

To add to what Torsten has already said, I should like to say something about 'I am used to', which you have mentioned in your question. Did you mean: 'I used to' or 'I am used to'? Torsten has already explained the 'used to' construction. 'Am/was used to' is a different construction. I am used to working for this company means that I am comfortable in working there because I know what it's like - it is in a way something to which I am accustomed and familiar with. We could therefore say:

I used to work here (something I did in the past but I don't any more).

I am used to working here (something with which I am familiar).

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story A spring in your step

[Pattana]

Dear Torsten and Alan;

I'm very thank for your explanations, it's very clear.

Regards

pattana.

** in fact, there should be translated the english into Thai...