Understanding “Used to”
What Does “Used to” Mean?
“Used to” is a phrase that describes a past habit or a state that was true in the past but is no longer true now. It’s commonly used when talking about things you did regularly or situations that existed before but do not exist anymore.
How to Form “Used to”
The structure is simple:
Subject + used to + base form of verb
Examples:
- I used to play football every weekend. (But I don’t play anymore.)
- She used to live in New York. (She doesn’t live there now.)
Common Mistakes with “Used to”
- Do not use “use to” in positive sentences. Always write “used to.”
- In negative sentences and questions, use “didn’t use to” and “Did you use to…?”:
- I didn’t use to like coffee.
- Did you use to go to this school?
Using “Be Used to”
What Does “Be Used to” Mean?
“Be used to” expresses being familiar with something or being accustomed to it. It is used to indicate that something is not new or strange for you—it’s normal or comfortable now.
How to Form “Be Used to”
The structure is:
Subject + be (am, is, are, was, were) + used to + noun/gerund (-ing form)
Examples:
- I am used to waking up early. (Waking up early is normal for me now.)
- He is used to the cold weather. (He is not bothered by cold weather.)
Tips for “Be Used to”
- Always use a noun or a gerund after “used to.”
- Don’t confuse this with “used to” for past habits. “Be used to” is about present familiarity, not past actions.
Explaining “Get Used to”
What Does “Get Used to” Mean?
“Get used to” refers to the process of becoming familiar with something. It describes the transition from something being new or strange to it becoming normal or comfortable.
How to Form “Get Used to”
The structure is:
Subject + get (gets, got, will get, etc.) + used to + noun/gerund (-ing form)
Examples:
- She got used to driving on the left side of the road. (She became comfortable with it over time.)
- I am getting used to my new job. (I am in the process of becoming familiar with it now.)
When to Use “Get Used to”
- Use this phrase when talking about the process of adaptation.
- Like “be used to,” it is always followed by a noun or gerund (-ing form).
Quick Reference Table
| Expression | Meaning | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| used to | past habit/state (no longer true) | subject + used to + base verb | I used to eat meat. |
| be used to | familiar with/accustomed to | subject + be + used to + noun/gerund | She is used to spicy food. |
| get used to | become familiar with | subject + get + used to + noun/gerund | They will get used to working at night. |
Practice Makes Perfect
To fully master these expressions, practice using them in sentences about your own life. For example, you might write about things you “used to” do as a child, things you “are used to” now, and things you are “getting used to” in your English learning journey. The Talkpal blog and its AI-powered language learning tools can help you review and use these expressions in real conversations.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between “used to,” “be used to,” and “get used to” can significantly improve your English fluency. Remember, “used to” is for past habits, “be used to” is about current familiarity, and “get used to” is about adapting to new situations. With regular practice and the right learning resources like those from Talkpal, you’ll soon find these expressions becoming second nature in your English conversations.
