How to use "used to use"?

Question

Is it correct to say something like this? "I used to use the knife to open things like cans."

Answer 1

Yes, it is correct, but a little awkward.

You might try another verb besides "use", or just simplify your sentence to Simple Past Tense.

Here are 2 examples:

a) " I used to employ the knife for opening things, like cans." (Other synonyms are: wield or utilize.)

b) "I used the knife to open things, like cans."

Answer 2

Try "I had used the knife to open things like cans." Also, "In the past I used the knife to open things like cans."

"Used to use" is a redundant application of the past tense of the verb use, and is not good writing technique.