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Used to, be used to, get used to
B2 B2 grammar · lesson 15 of 21
These three forms look similar but mean different things. This lesson helps you talk about past habits, things that are familiar and things that are becoming familiar.
Three different forms
| Form | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| used to + infinitive | a past habit or state that is not true now | I used to live in Spain. |
| be used to + -ing / noun | something is normal and familiar for you | I‘m used to working at night. |
| get used to + -ing / noun | something is becoming normal for you | I’m getting used to the cold. |
You know used to from B1 (Lesson 4). In be used to and get used to, the word to is a preposition, so it is followed by a noun, a pronoun or the -ing form, never by the infinitive.
Be used to and get used to
Be used to describes a state: you are comfortable with something because you have done it often. Get used to describes a process: it was strange or difficult at first, but slowly it becomes normal. Both can be used in any tense.
Tom used to play football, but now he plays tennis.
Ken grew up in Canada, so he is used to cold winters.
I’m not used to drinking coffee without sugar.
It took me months to get used to driving on the left.
Don’t worry, you’ll soon get used to the new job.
When I moved here, I wasn’t used to the noise of the city.
Have you got used to your new glasses yet?
Did you use to wear a uniform at school?
Common mistakes
✗ I’m used to get up early.
✓ I’m used to getting up early.
✗ I use to play the piano when I was a child.
✓ I used to play the piano when I was a child.
✗ She can’t get used to live alone.
✓ She can’t get used to living alone.
✗ Did you used to have long hair?
✓ Did you use to have long hair?
Remember: used to (past habit) has no present form. For present habits, use the present simple with usually: I usually walk to work. Do not say I use to walk to work.