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Used To, Get Used To & Be Used To

November 28, 2013

I used to study English every day, but it still took a while to get used to all the rules. Now I am used to English grammar!

Used to, get used to, and be used to are three verb forms with similar structures but different meanings. Students often get them confused because they look and sound similar, so explicit instruction that compares and contrasts these three forms is beneficial and appreciated!

Try presenting used to, get used to, and be used to using the comparison chart below. Then get your students to practice with the discussion questions at the end of this post or the grammar exercise in our Grammar & Usage Resource on Used To, Get Used To & Be Used To.

Comparison Chart

Used To, Get Used To & Be Used To – Grammar & Usage Resources

1. Used To

Form

Used To + Base Verb

Used to is always followed by a base verb. Note that used to follows normal simple past verb rules, so it becomes use to with the auxiliary verb did in questions and negative statements.

Usage

Used to is a unique expression in English. Its form and function are similar to a modal (i.e., it gives extra information about the verb and is followed by a base verb). Used to shows that an action was performed repeatedly in the past, but is no longer performed in the present. It is commonly used when talking about long periods in the past (e.g., childhood, school years, past job, etc.).

Examples

  • I used to eat meat, but I don’t anymore.
  • They used to study English every day in high school.
  • Did you use to play video games when you were a child?
  • My teacher didn’t use to give us any homework. Now we get homework every day!

2. Get Used To

Form

Get Used To + Noun/‑ing Verb

Get used to is followed by a gerund (‑ing verb) or a noun. In this expression, the used to part will never change to use to. Only get changes to reflect the verb tense.

Usage

Get used to indicates that something is becoming familiar. Use this expression for a new habit or routine. Though it is possible to use get used to for both positive and negative experiences, it is more commonly used with negative situations (e.g., when something is difficult).

Examples

  • I am getting used to living with my new roommate.
  • Our new teacher quickly got used to our large, multicultural class.
  • They couldn’t get used to the noisy neighborhood, so they moved.
  • Has your brother gotten used to his new boss yet?

3. Be Used To

Form

Be Used To + Noun/‑ing Verb

Be used to is followed by a gerund (‑ing verb) or a noun. Note that the used to part will never change to use to. Only be will change to reflect the verb tense.

Usage

Be used to indicates that something has become familiar. Use this expression when something is now a habit or routine (and has been going on for a while). Like get used to, it is possible to use be used to for both positive and negative experiences, but it is used for negative situations slightly more often.

Examples

  • She is used to getting up at 6:00 am because she does it every day.
  • Is your friend used to the noise from the construction site next to her office?
  • The teacher wasn’t used to answering so many questions during class.
  • By this time next year, I will be used to living in Brazil.

Practice

Get your students to ask each other the following discussion questions to practice used to, get used to, and be used to.

  1. What is something that you used to do as a child but no longer do now?
  2. Name five things that you are used to doing every day.
  3. Think of a time when you started a new hobby. Was it hard to get used to it? How long was it until you were used to it?
  4. Imagine you have to move to a new city. Do you think you’ll have a hard time getting used to living there? How about another country?
  5. What types of TV shows did you use to watch when you were younger? What do you enjoy watching nowadays?

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Comments (59)

Abraham (Guest)

Hey

Do these two sentences make a difference in meaning?
I used to drive to work.
I was used to driving to work.

Thanks

Reply to Comment

Tanya Trusler(Author)

Hi Abraham,

Good question! Yes, the meanings are very different. 'I used to drive to work' means that you drove to work every day last year, for example, but you don't any more. Maybe now you take the train instead of driving.

'I was used to driving to work' means that when you drove to work every day, you were comfortable and familiar doing so. Maybe someone asked you, 'Didn't all the traffic stress you out?' and you said, 'No, I was used to driving to work', meaning that it didn't bother you.

Hope that helps!
Tanya :)

Mary R.(Teacher)

Actually, I would say that 'I was used to driving to work' has more of a meaning of 'I 'used to' 'be used to' driving to work', i.e. I was comfortable driving to work in the past, but something happened recently and now I am not comfortable driving to work' OR if you are just telling a story completely in the past (I 'was'...) and are describing your comfort with your driving skills (all in the past)---> 'I was used to ('be used to' in the past) driving to work'

Reply to Comment

Tanya Trusler(Author)

Thanks for your comment, Mary. Your second comment is what I was describing before (your comfort level in the past). But I didn't consider your first comment, and it's a good point! 'I was used to driving to work' could imply that you stopped or something happened, and you're no longer comfortable with it.

ahnaf (Guest)

I want to know what is the difference between 'I get used to' and 'I am getting used to'.Is it continious and indefintite??

Reply to Comment

Tanya Trusler(Author)

Hi Ahnaf,

I can't think of a time when we'd use the simple present with 'get used to' because the simple present is a repeated action and 'get used to' is more or less one time. 'Get used to' is just the base form of the verb.

But to answer your question, let's compare 'getting used to' and 'got used to.' Yes, getting used to is continuous, so for example, if you were taking snowboarding lessons and had completed two of five lessons, you could say 'I'm getting used to snowboarding' because you aren't completely used to it yet. If you said 'I got used to snowboarding pretty quickly because I took some lessons last year' it would mean that you're now used to snowboarding.

Hope that helps!

Chantheary chheun(Guest)

Hey
Do these two sentences have a different meaning?

I'm not used to driving on the left.
I didn't get used to driving on the left.

Reply to Comment

Tanya Trusler(Author)

Hi there,

Yes, those sentences have different meanings. 'I'm not used to driving on the left' means that you have tried it and are CONTINUING to do it, but aren't comfortable with it yet.

'I didn't get used to driving on the left' means that you tried it, but STOPPED doing it, and never felt comfortable with it.

Ana (Guest)

I love the chart. It was just what I needed to help my class get their head around this. Thanks. They came up with a great example to use with all three types: I used to drive on the right. When I came to New Zealand I had to get used to driving on the left. Now I'm used to it. I drew a little image on the whiteboard to help those having difficulty understanding the concept change from 'used to'. We finished by changing these affirmative statements into negative and question forms and using them in pairs.

Reply to Comment

Tanya Trusler(Author)

Hi Ana, great to hear! I love the example your class came up with.

Rari (Guest)

Hi Tani.... below 'get used to'is conjugated to all the 12 tenses. Can you check and tell us the correct tense?
Thanks
I get used to
I am getting used to
I have got/gotten used to
I have been getting used to

I got used to
I was getting used to
I had got/gotten used to
I had been getting used to

I will get used to
I will be getting used to
I will have got/gotten used to
I will have been getting used to

Tanya Trusler(Author)

Hi Rari, yes, your conjugations look good, except that in the second set, the first one (simple past) should be 'I got used to.' I've changed it for you. Also, note that you can use 'got' or 'gotten' as the past participle, so 'have got/gotten used to,' 'had got/gotten used to,' 'will have got/gotten used to' are all possible, and I've added them to your list. I believe that 'gotten' is more common in North American English, and 'got' is preferred in British English. Finally, the past perfect/past perfect progressive tenses are possible but rare with 'get used to'—same thing with the future perfect/future perfect progressive.

Stephen M.(Teacher)

A very interesting blog - thank you for that.
I found the vocabulary used in the meaning rather complex though

Reply to Comment

Tanya Trusler(Author)

Thanks, Steve! For lower level learners, you could simplify things a bit:

'Get used to' means something is becoming familiar or common. Example: I joined a gym last week. I'm getting used to exercising every day.

'Be used to' means something is already familiar or common.
Example: I joined a gym last year. I'm used to exercising every day.

lika (Guest)

thanks Tanya, it helped me much in my teaching process ;) my students also confused 'get used to' and 'be used to', so your explanation turned out to be the best way out :)

Tanya Trusler(Author)

I'm happy to hear that!

Dave (Guest)

After searching up and down, right and left throughout the entire web, your explanation was the most simple and yet complete of all. Thanks a bunch
Oh, my doubt was about the structure of the interrogative form of 'got used to'. I wasn't sure if 'used' remained in past or it had to be changed to 'use' in present with the use of the auxiliary 'did'

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    Tanya Trusler(Author)

    Thank you for your kind words, Dave! I'm glad you found the answer you needed.

    Green (Guest)

    Hi Mrs. Tanya

    I am a student, are these statements correct?

    I used to warm weather.
    I am used to warm weather.
    I am getting used to warm weather.
    I will get used to warm weather.

    Reply to Comment

    Tanya Trusler(Author)

    Hi Green,

    All of your sentences except the first one are correct! 'I used to warm weather' isn't correct. We have to use 'used to' with another verb. So, for example, 'I used to love warm weather, but now I prefer the cold' or 'I used to swim in warm weather' are correct. Hope that helps!

    Rodolfo F.(Teacher)

    Now this is the kind of material ESL could make some more of. You guys have covered Used to very well, with a section that explains what someone does NOW and used to do THEN; The next step would be to use Get used to, Getting used to and Be+Used to and make some activities that would promote using all of those in order to make sentences. Something like:
    Alternative A: She wants to move to Canada, but it's too cold in the winter.
    Answer: She needs to get used to the cold winter.
    Alternative B: She moved to Canada 5 years ago, but still struggles in the Winter.
    Answer: She is getting used to the cold winter in Canada.
    Alternative C: She has no more problems going through the winter in Canada.
    Answer: She got used to the cold weather/She is now used to the cold winter in Canada.

    Something like that would be very productive and make my students happy.

    Reply to Comment

    Tanya Trusler(Author)

    Sorry that I didn't see this comment until today, Rodolfo! Great ideas. We've had a few requests for more materials with used to, be used to, and get used to, and we have some Grammar & Usage Resources in the works!

    Tanya Trusler(Author)

    Hi again Rodolfo,

    Just wanted to let you know that we now have a chart and worksheet available on our site! Find it here: https://ellii.com/resource_categories/103/resources/2830

    Chloe (Guest)

    Very helpful and concise!
    Just what I needed to iron out some confusion! I will be printing and distributing the chart!
    Thank you very much :)

    Reply to Comment

    Tanya Trusler(Author)

    Happy to hear it, Chloe! Glad you found it useful.

    John (Guest)

    Really great thanks but I need more exercises

    Reply to Comment

    Tanya Trusler(Author)

    Hi John, we've created another exercise in this resource: https://ellii.com/resource_categories/103/resources/2830

    Ghambar J.(Teacher)

    Hi,
    Can I say that (Used to) is an adjective in the following sentences? because they are followed after verb to be and linking verbs.
    1- I am used to speaking English fast.
    1- I got used to speaking English fast.

    Reply to Comment

    Tanya Trusler(Author)

    Hi Ghambar,

    I can see why you'd ask this question since Be + Adjective is a common pattern in English. However, "used to" can't be called an adjective because it doesn't describe a noun. For example, the adjective "delicious" is describing the noun "food" in the sentence "The food is delicious." But "used to" is not describing "I" in the sentence "I am used to speaking English fast."

    "Used to" is a special verb pattern in English, and I find that telling my students that it is similar in function to a modal helps them. In the same way that the modal "can" gives information about ability for the verb "sing" in "I can sing," the expression "used to" gives information about repetition/habit for the verb "sing" in "I am used to singing in the shower." Hope that helps!

    Yohali De la Cruz Santos(Guest)

    Hi! Tanya Trusler.
    I found it a very interesting blog in terms of content, I made the topic very easy for the good explanation you give, I will continue to explore the blog more to continue learning English.

    Reply to Comment

    Tanya Trusler(Author)

    Thank you, Yohali! Good luck with your English studies!

    DIANA GIL(Guest)

    Hello!!
    I think I understood the subject. These are my examples:
    I used to play in the park
    I am used to waking up early
    We need to get used to washing our hands very often

    Regards!!

    Reply to Comment

    Tanya Trusler(Author)

    Hi Diana, your examples are all correct! Great job!

    Nancy Santiago(Guest)

    Hello
    There is an easier way differences of used To, Get Used To, and Be Used To? .
    Besides that in spanish we say it differently, thanks

    Reply to Comment

    Tanya Trusler(Author)

    Hi Nancy,

    If you say it differently in Spanish, I can see it would be confusing! Try comparing these expressions side-by-side in the chart above. There are always other ways to say things in English too. Here are some examples:

    • I used to ski when I was younger. > I skied when I was younger.
    • I am getting used to this new classroom. > I am getting comfortable/familiar with this new classroom.
    • I am used to reading in bed. > I read in bed every night.

    Margarita Salas(Guest)

    Hi Mrs. Tanya
    The blog is very interesting, these are my three examples.
    1° I used to play volleyball, but I don´t anymore.
    2°I am getting used to studying dependent care carrer.
    3° I am used to take a bath before sleeping every night.

    Thank you very much.

    Reply to Comment

    Tanya Trusler(Author)

    Hi Margarita,

    Great sentences! I have a couple of corrections for you.
    1. Perfect!
    2. I am getting used to learning about dependent care. (We usually wouldn't use "study" and "career" together like that.)
    3. I am used to taking a bath before sleeping every night. (take > taking)

    Hope that helps!

    Rosario Jiménez(Guest)

    The table was very complex for me and it helped me a lot to understand the subject a little more.

    Reply to Comment

    Tanya Trusler(Author)

    I'm glad you understand it a bit better now, Rosario! Let me know if you have any questions about the table.

    Mariana Casales Aguilar(Guest)

    Hello !, your blog seemed incredible to me, I understood how to use the "used" After searching up and down, right and left throughout the web, his explanation was the simplest and most complete of all. Thank you! My question was about the structure of the 'get used to' questioning form. I wasn't sure if 'used' stayed in the past or if I had to change it to 'use' in the present with the use of the 'did' helper

    Reply to Comment

    Tanya Trusler(Author)

    Hi Mariana,

    Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad this post was helpful. To answer your question, it will always be "used" in the expression "get used to," even in question form. Here are some examples of "get used to" in questions (in different tenses):

    • Is she getting used to her new school? (present progressive)
    • Did you get used to living there quickly, or did it take you a while to get settled? (simple past)
    • Will they get used to the new software soon, or should we give them another option? (simple future)

    Esau Misael Reyes Perez(Guest)

    Hi.
    I found the article very useful and concise. I’d like to know if the next example is correct:
    Before quarantine I used to go to college every day, now I am used to staying at home. It will be hard to get used to the old routine.
    Thank you, have a nice day.

    Reply to Comment

    Tanya Trusler(Author)

    Hi Esau, your examples are very good! Well done.

    Ana N.(Teacher)

    Hello, it's what I needed to understand the difference between Get used to and Be used to.
    The table is very accurate. Thank you.

    Reply to Comment

    Tanya Trusler(Author)

    Thanks for your comment, Ana! I'm happy to hear it.

    abigail palma(Guest)

    very interesting, the subject is very well explained and it was not difficult for me to understand the difference
    Thank you very much for the information and the good explanation.

    Reply to Comment

    Tanya Trusler(Author)

    Thank you, Abigail! I'm so happy that this post helped you.

    Parisa Hasani(Guest)

    Thanks for the useful points you pointed out.
    Just a question: what d'you think about the difference between I didn't get used to and I couldn't get used to?🌺🙏

    Reply to Comment

    Tanya Trusler(Author)

    Hi Parisa, good question! There is usually a slight difference in usage. We use "couldn't get used to" when we want to emphasize that we tried/did something many times, but it never became familiar to us no matter how hard we tried. (E.g., I tried knitting a hundred times, but I just couldn't get used to it.) We use "didn't get used to" more generally as the opposite of "get used to." (E.g., Did you get used to living in a big city? No, I didn't really get used to it.) They are interchangeable (you could use "did not" or "could not" in either of my examples above), but I'd recommend using "could not get used to" for emphasis.

    Marcus S.(Member)

    Hey, I'm an English teacher in Brazil and I just loved the explanations. Simple, straight to the point and practical. Congratulations!

    Reply to Comment

    Lei Kayanuma(Author)

    Hello, Marcus! Thank you for your positive feedback. I will be sure to let Tanya know!

    Shirley Juliana T.(Member)

    Think about one situation when you are able to use the expressions BE/GET USED TO:
    Situations where I use be Used to:
    -I'm used to getting up early and going to class.
    -I am used to feeding my pets.
    -My dog is used to walking at night.

    Situations where I use get Used to:
    - I get used to spending more time alone at home
    - I get used to playing basketball
    - I get used to a healthier diet

    Reply to Comment

    Tanya Trusler(Author)

    Hi Shirley, thanks for your great examples! I'd just recommend putting "get" into another tense besides the simple present since it's an action verb (unlike "be"). We use the simple present for repeated actions, so "I get used to" means every day, sometimes, always, etc. and this is not as natural to say. A more natural tense would be the present progressive (I'm getting used to spending more time alone at home), simple past (I got used to playing basketball), present perfect (I've gotten used to a healthier diet), etc. Hope that helps!

    Paula Zambrano(Guest)

    In this comment I'll be using BE and GET USED TO:
    One of the situations where I can use this structures is when I tell you about one of my daily routines, which is waking up early; currently, I am getting used to it, because it has turned in something difficult to do. When I was in first and second semester, I was already used to it, so I woke up at 5:00 AM or 6:30. But right now, I am getting used to it again.

    Reply to Comment

    Tanya Trusler(Author)

    Hi Paula, those are good examples of natural uses for be used to and get used to. Thanks for sharing!

    Nodira S.(Member)

    Hello. I was looking for different examples to understand better the difference between "be used to" and "get used to", when I saw couple of examples with "get used to" which made me to have curious. So my question is - Is it possible and correct to use "be used to" instead of "get used to" in the folowing sentences?

    1. How long did it take you to get used to working?
      Can I say: "How long did it take you to BE USED TO working?"?

    2. David is extremely stressed. He hasn't got used to working so hard.
      Can I say: "David is extremely stressed. He hasn't BEEN USED TO working so hard"?

    3. Sarah thought she would never get used to New York
      Can I say: "Sarah thought she would never BE USED TO New York"?

    4. I don't think I will ever get used to waking up early
      Can I say: "I don't think I will ever BE USED TO waking up early"?

    I know that "get used to" is used to talk about process of getting accustomed to sth, but since all examples are about actions which started or happened in the past, that means process is complete, isn't it? That's why I'm confused and would like you to help me If you could.
    Also I searched this topic on the internet in different languages. On one website it says that "be used to" can be used in different tenses and that statement is followed by an example: "I have been used to snakes for a long time". However on another Russian website they say that "be used to" cannot be used in Continuous and Perfect tenses. Those made me more confused so I would be grateful if you could help me solve this problem.

    Reply to Comment

    Tanya Trusler(Author)

    Hi Nodira,

    These are great questions! Technically speaking, you can use "be used to" in place of "get used to" when you want to emphasize that the action is ongoing, but it doesn't always sound natural. To answer both your questions, this is because "be used to" sounds the most natural in the simple present or simple past. You can't use "be used to" with a progressive (continuous) tense because we can't say "be + being used to." Also, perfect tenses don't sound very natural (have + been + used to) since the past or present is preferred (probably because the verb expression is already quite long). For example, let's look at your examples again:

    1. How long did it take you to get used to working?
      Can I say: "How long did it take you to BE USED TO working?"?
      Get used to sounds much more natural here because you're highlighting the time leading up to the action. If you wanted to emphasize the ongoing nature, I'd say "Are you used to working (yet)?"

    2. David is extremely stressed. He hasn't got used to working so hard.
      Can I say: "David is extremely stressed. He hasn't BEEN USED TO working so hard"?
      This doesn't sound natural (see above comments on perfect tenses). I'd say "He isn't used to working so hard."

    3. Sarah thought she would never get used to New York
      Can I say: "Sarah thought she would never BE USED TO New York"?
      This one sounds okay to me, though "get used to" still sounds a bit more natural.

    4. I don't think I will ever get used to waking up early
      Can I say: "I don't think I will ever BE USED TO waking up early"?
      This one also sounds okay. If in doubt, you could always use a simple tense instead, like "I'm still not used to waking up early."

    Hope that helps!

    Jasmin (Guest)

    Hi,
    I am learning English with myself at home and these informations and this site is very helpful to me. Thanks for site's inventors.

    Reply to Comment

    Tanya Trusler(Author)

    You're welcome, Jasmin! Thanks for your comment, and best of luck with your studies!

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