Usually, used to, be used to, get used to
Quick map
- used to + base verb → past habits/states that are no longer true.
- be used to + noun/-ing → be accustomed to something (a state).
- get used to + noun/-ing → become accustomed (the process/change).
- usually (+ present simple) → present habits/routines.
used to + infinitive (past habit/state)
- Repeated past actions: When I was a child, I used to go skiing every winter.
- Past states now false: I used to live with my mum. / She used to be blond.
Forms
- Affirmative: S + used to + V → We used to play.
- Negative: didn’t use to + V → I didn’t use to do sport.
- Questions: Did + S + use to + V … ? → Did you use to study in the library?
✔ Standard negative is didn’t use to. (You may see didn’t used to in some varieties.)
be used to vs get used to
- be used to = be accustomed (state, not usually continuous):
It was hard at first, but now I’m used to it. / I’m not used to driving on the left. - get used to = become accustomed (process, often in continuous):
I’ve just started nights; I’m getting used to working late. / You’ll get used to the accent.
Form rule
be/get used to take a noun or -ing form because to is a preposition: She’s used to the cold; He’s getting used to working with John.
usually (present habits)
- Use with the present simple for current routines: We usually go to the cinema on Fridays.
- Word order: mid position → He usually gets up early; after be → She is usually late.
Don’t use used to for the present. ❌ We use to go → ✔ We usually go.
Common mistakes
- ❌ I’m used to work with John. → ✔ I’m used to working with John.
- ❌ Did you used to…? (non-standard) → ✔ Did you use to…?
- ❌ Continuous with be used to: I’m being used to… → ✔ I’m used to… (state). Use getting for the process.
Mini examples
- Past habit: We used to camp by the lake every summer.
- Past state: He used to be shy at school.
- Present habit: I usually read before bed.
- Accustomed (state): She’s used to spicy food now.
- Becoming accustomed: They’re getting used to the new software.
Exercises:
Passive verb forms
Choose the correct passive verb form to complete the sentences below.
1
The roof
last year, so the leaks stopped.
2
Your order
tomorrow morning before 10 a.m.
3
I’m still waiting; my application
yet.
4
When we arrived, dinner
and the table was set.
5
A new bridge
across the river at the moment.
6
Do you know when the film
in the UK?
7
At the press conference we realised we
throughout.
8
Safety rules: Hard hats
at all times.
9
By 2030, most cars
by electricity.
10
She is proud of
to lead the project.
Passive verb forms
Choose the correct passive verb tense or form to complete the following sentences.
1
By 2020, the new bridge _____ by a local company.
A.
B.
C.
2
Please wait — the software _____ on our servers right now.
A.
B.
C.
3
The results _____ tomorrow at noon.
A.
B.
C.
4
This classroom _____ every day by the cleaners.
A.
B.
C.
5
When we arrived, dinner _____ and the kitchen smelled amazing.
A.
B.
C.
6
The suspect _____ by the police while the robbery was still in progress.
A.
B.
C.
7
A new policy _____ recently to reduce costs.
A.
B.
C.
8
Do you know if the report _____ yet?
A.
B.
C.
9
By the time we got home, the package _____ on the doorstep.
A.
B.
C.
10
Seat belts _____ at all times on this ride.
A.
B.
C.
Passive verb forms
Turn the following active sentences into passive sentences. Keep the same verb tense.
1
They make coffee in this café. ⇒ Coffee in this café.
2
Someone is repairing my phone right now. ⇒ My phone right now.
3
They have cancelled the meeting. ⇒ The meeting .
4
They built the bridge in 1998. ⇒ The bridge in 1998.
5
People speak Spanish here. ⇒ Spanish here.
6
When I arrived, someone was painting the door. ⇒ When I arrived, the door .
7
They will announce the results tomorrow. ⇒ The results tomorrow.
8
They are going to open a new museum next year. ⇒ A new museum next year.
9
The police have given me a warning. ⇒ I a warning.
10
Before 5 p.m., they had already finished the work. ⇒ Before 5 p.m., the work .