Used to: negative and interrogative

[Santana]

Hi there,

Please tell me if the following sentences are grammatically correct.

1- He did not use to come to my previous house very
often, but now he does.

2- He used not to come to my previous house very
often, but now he does.

3- He used to not come to my previous house very
often, but now he does.

4- He did not useD to come to...

Many Many thanks

Santana

[Yankee]

Hi Santana

If you delete the word "previous", then the first sentence would be correct:

"He didn't use to come to my house very often, but now he does."

The word "previous" doesn't make sense in the sentence unless you want to say that he now often visits your previous house and the new people (not you!) who live there.

Amy
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Santana]

Thank you a lot, Amy

But what about the other sentences? Are they sooooo terribly wrong that you did not say anything about them?Ok forget the word previous in all sentences.
Waiting for a detailed answer
Bye and take care

[Yankee]

Hi Santana

My opinions about the other 3 sentences:

Sentence 2: wrong - I don't think you can or should split up "use(d) + to".
Sentence 3: possible, but awkward/unusual
Sentence 4: definitely wrong!! But I'm also sure this is an error some native speakers would make.

Your first sentence was definitely the best.

Amy
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln