Used to / be used to / get used to
These three look similar but mean very different things. The key is what comes after, and whether you mean a past habit or being familiar/comfortable with something.
These three look similar but mean very different things. The key is what comes after, and whether you mean a past habit or being familiar/comfortable with something.
The three structures
| Structure | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| used to + base verb | a past habit (not now) | I used to smoke. |
| be used to + verb-ing/noun | be familiar/comfortable with | I am used to waking early. |
| get used to + verb-ing/noun | become familiar (a process) | I’m getting used to the weather. |
The deciding testAfter used to (past habit) comes a base verb: “used to live.” After be/get used to comes -ing or a noun: “used to living,” “used to the noise.” That little “be/get” in front changes everything.
Examples from EduCareer
- Aisha used to find English hard. (past habit — not now)
- She is used to speaking English now. (comfortable with it)
- Omar is slowly getting used to the fast lessons. (a process)
Tutor tip for Arabic speakersWatch the verb form after “to.” Past habit → base verb (“used to go”). Familiarity → -ing (“used to going”). In negatives/questions of the past habit, drop the ‘d’: “I didn’t use to…” / “Did you use to…?” (not “used”).
Common mistakes
- I used to living there. → I used to live there. (past habit → base verb)
- I am used to wake up early. → I am used to waking up early.
- Did you used to play? → Did you use to play?
Practise with the 20 questions below.
Check your understanding
Answer the questions below. You will see instantly if you are right.
1."I ___ smoke, but I stopped." (past habit)
past habit → used to + base verb.
2."I ___ waking up early now; it's easy."
familiar → be used to + -ing.
3."I'm slowly ___ the cold weather."
a process → getting used to.
4.After 'used to' (past habit) we use:
base verb: used to live.
5.After 'be used to' we use:
used to + -ing/noun.
6.Which is correct?
past habit → base verb.
7.Which is correct?
be used to + -ing.
8.Negative past habit:
didn't use to (no 'd').
9.Question form (past habit):
Did you use to...?
10."She ___ find English hard, but not anymore."
past habit.
11."She ___ speaking English now."
familiar → be used to + -ing.
12."It took time, but he ___ the noise."
became familiar → got used to.
13."We ___ live in Cairo when I was a child."
past habit.
14."Are you ___ to driving on the left?"
be used to + -ing.
15."I can't ___ this spicy food." (become familiar)
process → get used to.
16."There ___ be a cinema here." (past, gone now)
past habit/state.
17."After a month, she ___ the early starts."
became familiar.
18."He ___ playing football every weekend." (familiar now)
be used to + -ing.
19."I ___ have long hair." (not now)
past habit → used to + base verb.
20.'get used to' describes:
the process of becoming familiar.
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