B1Modals and verb patterns

Usually, used to, be used to, get used to

Separate current habits, former habits, familiarity and the process of becoming familiar: usually, used to, be used to and get used to do different jobs.

Overview

What this grammar does

Separate current habits, former habits, familiarity and the process of becoming familiar: usually, used to, be used to and get used to do different jobs.

Form and rules

How it works

Usually + present simple describes a current habit.

Used to + base verb describes a past habit or state that is no longer true.

Be used to + noun/-ing means be familiar or comfortable with something.

Get used to + noun/-ing means gradually become familiar or comfortable with it.

The to in be/get used to is a preposition, so a following verb takes -ing: used to working, not used to work.

A closer look

Meaning and use

Get used to + noun/-ing means gradually become familiar or comfortable with it.

The to in be/get used to is a preposition, so a following verb takes -ing: used to working, not used to work.

Examples

See the pattern in complete sentences

I usually start at nine.

I used to start at seven.

I'm used to working late.

It took me months to get used to the traffic.

Are you used to living alone?

Common mistakes

What to avoid

I am used to drink coffee every morning, but now I prefer tea.

I used to drink coffee every morning, but now I prefer tea.

A former habit that is no longer true uses used to + base verb.

She's used to speak speaking English at work, so it feels normal.

She's used to speaking English at work, so it feels normal.

Be used to + -ing means be familiar with an activity.

Ready to practise?

The test combines multiple choice, gap completion, error correction, and sentence building so students have to recognise and produce the grammar, not simply reread the rule.

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