Overview
Guide to “used to,” “be used to,” and “get used to” with meanings, forms, and usage contrasts.
Used to + infinitive
- Describes repeated actions in the past that no longer happen.
- Describes past states/situations that are no longer true now.
- No present form; for present habits use present simple with adverbs.
Be used to + noun/gerund
- Means accustomed to something; it is no longer strange or hard.
- Expresses a state; use simple tenses, not continuous forms.
- Formed with noun or -ing verb after “to” (preposition).
Get used to + noun/gerund
- Process of becoming accustomed to something new or difficult.
- Focuses on the change from unfamiliar to familiar.
- Takes a noun or -ing verb after “to” (preposition).
Forms and Questions
- Negative/past questions with “used to”: didn’t use to; did you use to…?
- Present habits: use present simple + usually/normally/often.
Structure Summary
| Form | Meaning | Time reference | Verb form after “to” | Examples/Notes |
|---|
| used to + infinitive | Past habit/state no longer true | Past only | Infinitive | I used to go skiing; I used to be blond. |
| didn’t use to / did you use to…? | Negative/question past habit/state | Past only | Infinitive | Didn’t use to live…; Did you use to…? |
| be used to + noun/-ing | Accustomed; it’s not strange now | Present/past | Noun or -ing | I’m used to it; not used to driving. |
| get used to + noun/-ing | Becoming accustomed; the process | Present/future/past | Noun or -ing | You’ll get used to driving. |
| Present habits (not “use to”) | Current repeated actions | Present | Present simple | We usually eat out on Saturdays. |
Examples
- Used to: When I was a child, I used to go skiing every winter.
- State in past: I used to live with my mum.
- Be used to: I’m used to it; I’m still not used to driving on the left.
- Get used to: I’m still getting used to getting up early; You’ll get used to driving.
Common Mistakes
- Don’t use “use to” for present habits; use present simple with adverbs.
- After be/get used to, use noun or -ing, not bare infinitive.
- “Be used to” is a state; avoid continuous forms.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Used to: Past habit or state no longer true now; followed by infinitive.
- Be used to: Accustomed state; “to” is a preposition; use noun/-ing.
- Get used to: Process of becoming accustomed; “to” is a preposition.