Used To: Grammar Differences

an overview of ‘use’ and ‘to’

Used to, be used to and get used to look very similar, don’t they? They all contain the words ‘used’ and ‘to’, so you would think they mean the same thing, wouldn’t you?

WRONG! I’m afraid to say they mean different things and they aren’t interchangeable. The good news is… they aren’t too difficult once you learn the rules and they are useful if you want to speak like a native. I’ll start by giving you a little tip…

Look up ‘use’ in the dictionary, you will find many definitions including being used as a verb and a noun. In the instances outlined on this page, ‘use’ is not the main verb. The main verb comes after it. We can take ‘use’ to mean accustomed, usual, or familiar in these instances.

What is the difference between them?

Are you ready to delve a little deeper? Click on the links below to see each one in more detail. Then, watch the video if you’re still having trouble.

USED TO
subject + (didn't) used to + infinitive
BE USED TO
subject + be + (not) used to
GET USED TO
subject + be + getting used to

used to

We use “used to” when talking about habits or situations that were true in the past but no longer happen or exist. It helps express actions or states that were once a regular part of life but have since changed. Here are some examples:

  • I used to walk to school every day. (I don’t walk to school anymore.)
  • She used to live in London. (She no longer lives in London.)
  • They used to go camping every summer. (They don’t go camping anymore.)
  • We used to play football after school. (We don’t play football anymore.)
A slide titled "subject + used to + infinitive" shows two characters standing in front of a playground. One character says, "We used to love coming to this park as kids." The background includes a swing set, slide, and a white picket fence. The text explains the grammar rule for using "used to" when talking about actions, states, or habits that were true in the past but no longer happen.
A boy holding a red toy tractor, with a speech bubble saying, "My sister used to have the exact same toy tractor." This slide illustrates the grammar structure "subject + used to + infinitive" for discussing past habits or states that no longer happen.

be used to

Be used to is a phrase used to describe something that feels normal or familiar because it’s been experienced repeatedly. When you’re “used to” something, it means you’re comfortable with it, even if it was difficult or unfamiliar at first. This structure is followed by a noun, noun phrase, or verb ending in -ing.

  • I’m used to waking up early for work.
  • Carly used to the cold weather now that she lives in Canada.
  • They’re used to eating spicy food.

 

In all these cases, the action or situation has become part of daily life, and it’s no longer surprising or uncomfortable.

A colourful cartoon illustration with the sentence structure "subject + be + used to" at the top. Below, the text explains that this structure is used to talk about actions or states someone is accustomed to doing, or something that is normal for them. In the scene, a man is standing in front of two cars that have collided. He is saying, "I’m so sorry, It’s my fault. I am used to driving on the left!" The background is a bright gradient of purple, and the image includes a logo for Mingle-ish in the corner.
A cartoon image showing a person sitting up in bed, looking tired but accustomed to the early hour. The scene features a clock on the bedside table showing 5 am. The text at the top reads "subject + be + used to," and the speech bubble from the character says, "I am used to getting up at 5 am. I’ve been doing it for ten years."

get used to

The phrase “get used to” is used to describe the process of becoming familiar or comfortable with something over time. It refers to the transition from something feeling new or uncomfortable to it becoming normal or routine. This structure is often used to talk about adjusting to a change in circumstances. For example.

  • After moving to the city, I had to get used to the noise at night. (It shows that initially, the noise was unfamiliar, but over time, it became something the person adapted to.)
  • She’s getting used to her new job. (Which means she is in the process of adjusting to the responsibilities and environment at work.)
  • It took me a while to get used to the cold weather in the winter. (The cold weather was difficult to handle at first, but over time, I adapted.)
  • They’re still getting used to living in a smaller house. (Moving into a smaller space was a big change, and they are adjusting.)
  • You’ll get used to waking up early once you start your new routine. (Waking up early might be hard now, but eventually, it will feel normal.)
Illustration of a man eating dinner late at night while adjusting to a new routine. The speech bubble says, "I don't get home from my new job until 9pm. I am getting used to eating dinner late." The text explains the structure "subject + be + getting used to" for describing someone in the process of becoming accustomed to an action or state.
A cartoon illustration of a person in a khaki outfit standing on a path next to a crocodile. The person is talking about a rescued animal getting used to its new environment.

hints for using ‘be used to’ and ‘get used to’

When using “be used to” and “get used to,” it’s important to remember the structures they require. Both phrases are followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund (-ing form of a verb), but their usage differs based on the action. “Be used to” refers to being familiar or comfortable with something, while “get used to” describes the process of becoming accustomed to something new. Let’s take a look at some examples.

Using ‘Be Used To’ and ‘Get Used To’ with Present Tenses

In the present tense, “be used to” shows that someone is already familiar or comfortable with something now, while “get used to” highlights the ongoing process of becoming familiar with something.

For example:

  • Be used to: “She is used to working from home now.” (She is already familiar with working from home.)
  • Get used to: “He is getting used to his new job.” (He is in the process of adapting to his new job.)
be used to and get used to structure

Using ‘Be Used To’ and ‘Get Used To’ with Past Tenses

Both “be used to” and “get used to” can be applied in the past tense to show how someone has already adapted to a situation or was in the process of adapting. “Be used to” refers to something that was familiar or comfortable in the past, while “get used to” suggests the process of becoming familiar with something at that time.

For example:

  • Be used to: “They were used to the cold weather when they lived in Norway.” (The cold weather was something they had already adapted to.)
  • Get used to: “At first, I hated waking up early, but I eventually got used to it.” (I went through the process of adapting to early mornings.)
A lively illustration of two characters on a couch and a food delivery person, depicting past experiences with "be used to" and "get used to.

Using ‘Be Used To’ and ‘Get Used To’ with Present Tenses

When using future tenses, “be used to” refers to a state of familiarity that will exist later, while “get used to” highlights the process of becoming familiar with something in the future.

For example:

  • Be used to: “You will be used to the new schedule in a few weeks.” (In the future, you’ll already be comfortable with the new schedule.)
  • Get used to: “They will get used to living in the city soon.” (They will go through the process of adapting to city life in the future.)
A vibrant illustration showing two characters, one learning to dance and another painting a pink bedroom.

Using ‘Be Used To’ and ‘Get Used To’ with Gerunds

Both “be used to” and “get used to” can be followed by a gerund (verb + -ing) to describe familiarity or the process of becoming familiar with an activity or action.

For example:

  • Be used to: “I am used to waking up early.” (I am already comfortable with waking up early.)
  • Get used to: “She is getting used to working late hours.” (She is in the process of becoming familiar with working late.)
be used to and get used to structure

Using ‘Be Used To’ and ‘Get Used To’ with Nouns and Pronouns

Both “be used to” and “get used to” can also be followed by nouns or pronouns to describe familiarity or the process of becoming familiar with a person, thing, or situation.

For example:

  • Be used to: “They are used to the noise in the city.” (They are already comfortable with the noise.)
  • Get used to: “He is getting used to his new team.” (He is in the process of adjusting to his new team.)
  • Be used to: “I am used to him always being late.” (I am already familiar with his lateness.)
  • Get used to: “She is getting used to it.” (She is in the process of becoming familiar with something.)
be used to and get used to structure