Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes Translation exercises – be used to doing/used to do

“I forgot I wasn’t in Miss Kinnian’s class at the adult center any more like I use to be.” “I use to watch the late show on TV.” “That’s how I use to write it before I started to get smart.”

Charlie talks about things he used to do in the past but no longer does (he spells it incorrectly “use”).

He also is used to doing certain things or having things happen to him, for example he gets used to racing Algernon in the maze, he is used to being laughed at by Frank and Joe. These things are a habit or they have often happened or been practised.

Exercise 1

Decide if these sentences express: A – a habit or something that has often happened or practised B – Something that happened in the past but no longer does.

1. When I was younger, I used to read a lot. ____ 2. I’m used to doing a lot of sport, so I don’t get tired easily. ____ 3. Did you used to ski more often before you broke your leg? ____ 4. Are you used to driving on the left in England yet? ____

So : ______= a habit or something that happens often ______= something done in the past but not now

Exercise 2

Fill in the gaps with the correct structure, using the verb given in brackets.

1. Charlie ______(clean) the toilets at the factory because he has done it for many years. 2. After the operation, Charlie remembers how dumb he ______(be). 3. Miss Kinnian ______(teach) adults at the centre, she does it every day. 4. Charlie ______(admire) Dr. Nemur but his admiration dimmed when he found out Dr. Nemur couldn’t speak Chinese. 5. When the effects of the operation begin to wear off, Charlie wishes he was still as smart as he ______(be). 6. Charlie ______(make) lots of spelling mistakes but now he writes very well.

Exercise 3

Translate the following sentences into English.

1. Avant, Charlie sortait avec Frank et Joe le soir pour boire des bières, mais depuis qu’il a eu mal à la tête il n’y va plus. 2. Charlie avait l’habitude qu’on se moque de lui et il rigolait, mais maintenant les plaisanteries de ses collègues ne le font plus rire. 3. Dr. Nemur avait l’habitude de recevoir des prix pour son travail. 4. Frank et Joe se moquaient de Charlie au travail, mais maintenant ils ont peur de lui.