Used to/Be used to/Get used to
There are different uses of ‘used to’.
In this lesson, you’ll learn how to use each one and practise using them.
How to use used to, be used to and get used to?
Used to
- To talk about past habits. Something was true in the past, but not now.
- Used to + infinitive verb.
- E.g. I used to play tennis, but now I swim.
Be used to
- To talk about how familiar or normal something is for you.
- Be used to + noun OR Be used to + verb-ing.
- E.g. I am used to the hot weather.
Get used to
- To talk about becoming familiar and adapting to something new.
- Get used to + noun OR Get used to + verb-ing.
- E.g. She is getting used to driving in another country.
We can use past, present or future tense to talk about being familiar or becoming familiar with something. NOT with ‘used to’ – always past.
Examples
She used to travel a lot.
He is used to the loud noises from the road.
They are getting used to their new home.
Practise
Fill the gap with used to, be used to or get used to.
Common mistakes learners make
- Using used to with the present simple
- Forgetting tense changes with be used to and get used to
- Using an infinitive verb after ‘be used to’ and ‘get used to’