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After I’d been teaching ESL for about five years, a student raised her hand and said, “Teacher, I’m confused. You said I should be used to the new schedule, but I also said I’m getting used to it. Are they different?” I realised I’d never explicitly taught the difference between these three forms, even though they trip up almost every learner. The forms look similar, but they describe completely different time frames and states.
This guide untangles “used to,” “be used to,” and “get used to” once and for all. Each one fills a specific grammatical role. You’ll know which form fits which sentence, and you’ll never have to pause and second-guess yourself again.
Key Takeaways
- Used to = past habit (stopped) — “I used to live in London” means you lived there, but you don’t anymore.
- Be used to = accustomed (ongoing) — “I’m used to cold weather” means it’s normal for you now; you’re comfortable with it.
- Get used to = becoming accustomed (process) — “I’m getting used to my new job” means you’re in the middle of adjusting; it’s not normal yet, but it’s becoming so.
- Time frame matters — used to looks back; be used to describes the present; get used to describes the transition.
- Grammar trap — “used to” is followed by a verb; “be/get used to” are followed by a noun or gerund (verb + -ing).
Understanding “Used To”: The Past Habit
Used to + base verb describes a habit, routine, or state that happened regularly in the past but does not happen anymore. It’s always in the past tense. The key word: stopped .
Example 1: “I used to play soccer every Saturday when I was a kid.” — You no longer play soccer every Saturday. That habit ended.
Example 2: “She used to live in New York, but now she lives in Los Angeles.” — Her home was in New York; it’s not anymore.
Example 3: “We used to eat dinner together every night, but now everyone has different schedules.” — You don’t do that anymore.
Example 4: “He used to be afraid of dogs, but he got over it.” — Fear existed in the past; it no longer does.
Grammar rule: “Used to” is always followed by a base verb (the simple form of a verb). For example: “used to eat,” “used to work,” “used to live” — never “used to eating” or “used to worked.”
Distinguishing “Be Used To”: The Accustomed State
Be used to describes something you are accustomed to or familiar with right now. It’s about your current comfort level. The key phrase: it’s normal for me now.
Example 1: “I am used to waking up early.” — Waking up early is normal for me. I’m comfortable with it. It doesn’t bother me anymore.
Example 2: “She is used to driving on the left side of the road.” — This is her normal. She doesn’t find it strange or difficult.
Example 3: “They are not used to the cold weather.” — Cold is unusual for them; they haven’t adjusted.
Example 4: “My grandfather is used to his new hearing aid.” — He’s had it long enough that it feels normal to him now.
Grammar rule: “Be used to” is always followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund (the -ing form of a verb). For example: “used to coffee,” “used to running,” “used to him” — never “used to run” (no -ing).
Decoding “Get Used To”: The Becoming Process
Get used to describes the process of becoming accustomed to something. You’re not there yet, but you’re working toward being comfortable. The key phrase: I’m adjusting; it’s becoming normal.
Example 1: “I’m getting used to my new job.” — You’re settling in. It’s not completely comfortable yet, but you’re adapting.
Example 2: “He is getting used to the noise.” — The noise is still noticeable, but he’s learning to tolerate it.
Example 3: “We got used to living in a small apartment after about six months.” — Over time, the small space felt normal.
Example 4: “She’s getting used to her contact lenses.” — They still feel strange sometimes, but she’s learning to wear them comfortably.
Grammar rule: “Get used to” is followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund, just like “be used to.” You say “getting used to coffee” or “getting used to running,” but never “getting used to run“.
Side-by-Side Comparison: When Each One Fits
| Form | Time Frame | Meaning | Followed By | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used to | Past (ended) | Past habit / state that stopped | Base verb | I used to live in Paris. |
| Be used to | Present (now) | Accustomed; it’s normal now | Noun / gerund | I am used to living in Paris. |
| Get used to | Present (ongoing transition) | Becoming accustomed; in process | Noun / gerund | I am getting used to living in Paris. |
Three Sentences, One Situation: Which One Do You Use?
Scenario: You moved to Japan three months ago.
Sentence 1 (past habit): “I used to eat bread with every meal.” — Before you moved, you ate bread at every meal. You don’t do that anymore (or at least, not as much).
Sentence 2 (present comfort): “I am getting used to eating more rice.” — Right now, you’re adjusting. Rice is becoming normal for you, but it still feels new.
Sentence 3 (already normal): “After six months, I was used to eating rice.” — Now rice feels standard. You no longer think about it.
All three are correct because each one describes a different moment in time.
Common Grammar Mistakes and How to Fix Them
✗ Incorrect: “I used to eating breakfast early.”
✓ Correct: “I used to eat breakfast early.”
Why: “Used to” is followed by a base verb, not a gerund. The base form is “eat,” not “eating.”
✗ Incorrect: “I am used to wake up at 6 am.”
✓ Correct: “I am used to waking up at 6 am.”
Why: “Be used to” requires a gerund (verb + -ing) or a noun. “Wake” is the base form; you need “waking.”
✗ Incorrect: “I’m getting used to the cold weather, and I used to living there.”
✓ Correct: “I’m getting used to the cold weather, and I used to live there.” (Or: “I’m getting used to the cold weather, and I’m used to living there.”)
Why: Mix-and-match forms create confusion. Pick one time frame per sentence. “Used to” takes a verb; “be used to” takes a gerund.
A Real Dialogue: All Three Forms in Action
Kenji: I just moved to Canada. The winters are so cold!
Anna: You’ll adjust. I used to hate cold winters too, but now I’m used to them.
Kenji: How long did it take?
Anna: About three months. I’m still getting used to the heavy snowfall, but the cold itself? No problem now.
Kenji: That gives me hope! Where did you move from?
Anna: Australia. I used to wear shorts year-round. Now I’m used to wearing three layers!
Quick Quiz
Choose the correct form:
- When I was a child, I ________ play outside until dark. (used to / be used to)
- She ________ living in a big city now; she moved here five years ago. (gets used to / is used to)
- My new glasses are strange, but I ________ them soon. (will be used to / will get used to)
- He ________ eat spicy food, but he changed his diet. (used to / gets used to)
- I ________ cold weather because I grew up in Minnesota. (am used to / used to)
Answers: 1. used to · 2. is used to · 3. will get used to · 4. used to · 5. am used to
Negative and Question Forms
Used to (negative and question):
Negative: “I didn’t use to like coffee.” — I didn’t like it before; I do now (or vice versa).
Question: “Did you use to live in London?” — The structure flips.
Be used to (negative and question):
Negative: “I am not used to driving on the left.” — Driving on the left is still strange for me.
Question: “Are you used to the noise?” — Standard question form with “be.”
Get used to (negative and question):
Negative: “I’m not getting used to the schedule.” — I’m not adjusting well.
Question: “Are you getting used to it?” — Standard question form with “be.”
Related Articles
- ↑ Master Pillar: English Grammar
- Affect vs. Effect
- Accept vs. Except
- ↑ Back to pillar: English Confused Words (Pillar)
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between used to, be used to, and get used to?
Used to describes a past habit that stopped. Be used to means you’re accustomed to something now. Get used to describes the process of becoming accustomed. Time frame and grammar structure separate all three.
Why do I see “gotten used to” sometimes?
In American English, “gotten” is the past participle of “get.” Both “got used to” and “gotten used to” are correct, but “got used to” is more common. They mean the same thing: “I have gotten used to the noise” = “I have got used to the noise.”
Can I use “be used to” in the past tense?
Yes. “I was used to the commute” means you were already accustomed to it at some point in the past. “I am used to the commute” means you’re accustomed now. Both are correct depending on when you’re describing.
Is “getting used to” always present tense?
No. You can say “I got used to it after a few weeks” (past), “I’m getting used to it now” (present), or “I’ll get used to it soon” (future). The structure stays the same; the tense shifts.
What’s the difference between “used to” and “‘d used to”?
“Used to” describes a single past habit. “‘d used to” (had used to) describes something that happened repeatedly in the past before something else. Example: “By the time I left London, I’d used to the accent” (understood it before I left). This is rare; most speakers just say “I was used to.”
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