B1+Modals and related verbs

Used to, be used to and get used to

Contrast a former habit/state with being familiar with something and the process of becoming familiar with it.

Overview

What this grammar does

Contrast a former habit/state with being familiar with something and the process of becoming familiar with it.

Form and rules

How it works

Used to + base verb refers to a past habit/state that is no longer true.

Be used to + noun/-ing means be accustomed to a current situation.

Get used to + noun/-ing means become accustomed to it over time.

The to in be/get used to is a preposition, so a verb after it takes -ing.

Be/get can change tense freely: wasn't used to, has got/gotten used to, will get used to.

A closer look

Meaning and use

The to in be/get used to is a preposition, so a verb after it takes -ing.

Be/get can change tense freely: wasn't used to, has got/gotten used to, will get used to.

Examples

See the pattern in complete sentences

I used to live near the office.

I'm used to commuting now.

It took me a while to get used to working nights.

She wasn't used to the heat.

You'll get used to speaking in meetings.

Common mistakes

What to avoid

I am used to have a long commute, but I moved closer.

I used to have a long commute, but I moved closer.

A former situation that changed uses used to + base verb.

She's completely use to working under pressure.

She's completely used to working under pressure.

Be used to + -ing means accustomed to.

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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