Grammar › Verb Tenses › Used to / Be used to / Get used to
Used to / Be used to / Get used to
Same words, three different meanings — check what follows and the meaning:
- used to + base verb — a past habit, now finished (I used to play tennis).
- be used to + noun/-ing — accustomed to (He's used to the cold).
- get used to + noun/-ing — becoming accustomed (I'm getting used to it).
'used to' = base verb (past only). 'be/get used to' = noun or -ing (any tense). Don't drop the 'to' before the -ing.
Three structures, three meanings
| Structure | Followed by | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| used to | base verb | past habit/state (not now) | I used to smoke. |
| be used to | noun / -ing | accustomed to (a state) | I ‘m used to the noise. |
| get used to | noun / -ing | becoming accustomed (a change) | You’ll get used to it. |
When to use each
1. used to — a finished past habit
- We used to live by the sea. She used to have long hair.
2. be used to — already accustomed
- He ‘s used to getting up early. I ‘m not used to this weather.
3. get used to — becoming accustomed
- It was strange at first, but I got used to driving on the left.
⚠️ After be/get used to, use a noun or -ing, not the base verb: I’m used to working late (not
used to work late, which is a past habit).
Common mistakes
1. Base verb after ‘be used to’. I’m used to work here → I’m used to working here.
2. -ing after plain ‘used to’. I used to smoking → I used to smoke.
3. Dropping ‘to’. I’m used working nights → I’m used to working nights. Pro tip: used to + base verb = past habit; be/get used to + -ing = (becoming) accustomed.
✏️ Practice: Used to / Be used to / Get used to
1. I ___ play the piano when I was a child.
2. She works nights, so she ___ sleeping during the day.
3. Don't worry — you'll ___ the new software soon.
4. There ___ a cinema here, but it closed years ago.
5. I'm not ___ this cold weather yet.
6. It took a while, but he ___ living alone.
7. We ___ go camping every summer.
8. After a month, I ___ the long commute.
9. Correct this: 'I'm used to work at night.'
10. Which structure describes a FINISHED past habit?
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between 'used to' and 'be used to'?
'Used to + base verb' is a past habit (I used to live abroad). 'Be used to + noun/-ing' means accustomed to (I'm used to living abroad — it's normal for me now).
Why is it 'used to living', not 'used to live', after 'be'?
After 'be/get used to', the 'to' is a preposition, so a verb takes the -ing form: I'm used to working nights.
Can 'be used to' be in the past or future?
Yes: I was used to it; You'll be used to it soon. Only plain 'used to' (past habit) is fixed in the past.
What does 'get used to' add?
The idea of a gradual change — becoming accustomed: At first it was hard, but I got used to it.
👩🏫 For teachers
CEFR objectives for “Used to / Be used to / Get used to”:
- Can use 'used to + base verb' for finished past habits (CEFR B1).
- Can use 'be used to' and 'get used to' + noun/-ing for being/becoming accustomed.
- Can avoid confusing the three structures.
⬇︎ Download the Lesson Pack (PDF)
Printable worksheet + answer key + one-page summary. Free to use and print in class with attribution. Join the newsletter for new packs and cheat sheets.