Explanation
Exercises
Used to • Be used to • Get used to
Habits in the past

At a glance

FormGrammarMeaningExample
used to + V1 fixed past form Past habits/states that are not true now I used to play basketball. / I used to live with my mum.
be used to + noun / -ing be changes with tense Be accustomed to (it’s normal for you) I’m used to getting up at 6.
get used to + noun / -ing get shows change Become accustomed (process of adaptation) I’m getting used to the new software.

Pronunciation tip: used to is /ˈjuːst tə/; the d is silent in fast speech.

used to + infinitive — past habits & past states

  • Repeated actions We used to go skiing every winter.
  • Past states (non-action) He used to be very shy.
  • Form negative: didn’t use to • questions: Did you use to…?
  • No present form Use present simple for current habits: We usually eat out on Saturdays.
  • “would” vs “used to” would can replace used to for repeated past actions (not states): When I was a kid, we’d visit grandma every Sunday.

Spelling in negatives/questions is use (base form) because it follows did/didn’t: ✔ Did you use to…?

be used to — a state of familiarity

  • Meaning Something is no longer strange/difficult.
  • Structure be + used to + noun/-ing/pronoun (it/this/that).
  • Tense of be choose the time you need: I’m used to… / I was used to… / I’ve been used to…
  • Not normally continuous It describes a state: prefer am/was to am being.
  • Examples I’m used to driving on the left. • She isn’t used to the cold.

get used to — the adaptation process

  • Meaning Becoming familiar/comfortable.
  • Structure get + used to + noun/-ing in any tense: is getting / got / will get used to.
  • Typical adverbs still, just, gradually, finally: I’ve just got used to the night shifts.
  • Examples You’ll get used to working with John soon.

Pick the right “to”

ExpressionWhat “to” isWhat followsModel
used topart of the infinitiveV1 I used to live by the sea.
be used toprepositionnoun / -ing She’s used to early mornings / getting up early.
get used toprepositionnoun / -ing They’re getting used to remote work.

Think: be/get used to = “accustomed to”, so a noun or gerund must follow.

Common pitfalls & style notes

  • ❌ I’m used to wake up early. → ✔ I’m used to waking up early.
  • ❌ Did you used to…? (spelling) → ✔ Did you use to…?
  • ✔ Formal alternative used not to exists, but everyday English prefers didn’t use to.
  • For past habits we can use would, but would doesn’t describe past states: ✔ We would play outside; ✖ She would be shy (use used to be).
Exercises:
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3

Used to / Be used to / Get used to

Choose used to, be used to, get used to to complete each sentence.
1
The metro seemed complicated at first, but now I am it.
2
It took me a month to waking up at 5 a.m.
3
I take the bus to college, but now I cycle.
4
She isn’t loud crowds, so she leaves parties early.
5
You’ll the spicy food after a couple of weeks.
6
Are you your new role yet?
7
We are sharing a desk — space is tight.
8
He managed to the Tokyo subway system within days.
9
They live above the shop, but now they rent a flat nearby.
10
After six months here, I’ve finally taking cold showers.

Used to / Be used to / Get used to

Choose used to, be used to, get used to for the sentences below.
1
I _____ near the sea; now I live far inland.
A.
B.
C.
D.
2
When we moved to Madrid, it took me weeks to _____ late dinners.
A.
B.
C.
D.
3
She works nights, so she _____ sleeping during the day.
A.
B.
C.
D.
4
I _____ coffee, but I don't anymore.
A.
B.
C.
D.
5
He hasn't _____ a manual car yet, so he's nervous.
A.
B.
C.
D.
6
Have you _____ the spicy food yet?
A.
B.
C.
D.
7
I’m not sure I’ll ever _____ waking up at 4 a.m.
A.
B.
C.
D.
8
Back then she _____ commute two hours each way.
A.
B.
C.
D.
9
You’ll feel better after you _____ the new timetable.
A.
B.
C.
D.
10
We didn’t _____ so much homework, but now we do.
A.
B.
C.
D.

Used to / Be used to / Get used to

Complete the sentences using the verb in brackets with used to, be used to, get used to in the correct form.
1
I moved to Toronto three years ago. After three long winters, I can say I (live) in a big, busy city.
2
However, coming from a tropical island, it took me some time to (be) outside in sub-zero temperatures.
3
Back home we (swim) in the sea before school.
4
In Toronto I (drive) on six-lane roads, so I took the subway instead.
5
At first the neighbours (talk) to each other, which felt strange to me.
6
Now I (mind) my own business and keep conversations short.
7
In my island town, shops (close) at noon, but here they (stay) open until midnight.
9
During my first winter I (leave) the house in darkness at 7 a.m.
10
These days I (wear) three layers and I even enjoy the snow.