Lesson

Be/Get used to something (I'm used to...)

Used to expressions

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Be/Get used to something (I'm used to...)

This grammar point explains how to say that something is familiar or no longer difficult, and how to talk about past habits. There are three related forms:

  • be used to + noun / verb-ing: to say something is familiar or not difficult now
  • get used to + noun / verb-ing: the process of becoming familiar
  • used to + base verb: a past habit or situation that no longer happens

Table

Forms and usage

Structure Meaning Example
be used to + noun / verb-ing To be accustomed to something now I am used to working with tight deadlines.
get used to + noun / verb-ing To become accustomed; the process She is getting used to the new time zone.
used to + base verb Past habit or situation (no longer true) We used to have weekly meetings at 9 AM.

Tip

Key rule: watch the verb form after 'used to'

The word 'used' appears in different structures with different meanings. Pay attention to the form that follows:

  • 'be used to' + noun / verb-ing = already accustomed (present state)
  • 'get used to' + noun / verb-ing = becoming accustomed (process)
  • 'used to' + base verb = past habit or repeated action that no longer happens

Remember: 'to' after 'used' is a preposition when talking about being used to something, so use a noun or gerund (verb-ing).

Example

Examples in context

I am used to working with international teams.

After three months, he got used to waking up at 5 AM for the shift.

We used to send printed reports before the company moved online.

They are getting used to the new project management software.

Tip

Common mistakes

Learners often confuse the three forms or use the wrong verb form after 'to'. Watch out for these errors:

  • Using 'used to' + verb-ing to mean 'accustomed' (wrong): 'I used to working' — correct: 'I am used to working.'
  • Forgetting the gerund after 'be/get used to' — you need a noun or -ing form: 'She is used to drive' (wrong) → 'She is used to driving.'
  • Confusing 'used to' (past habit) with 'be used to' (present state): 'I used to this schedule.' (wrong) → 'I am used to this schedule.'
  • Using 'get used to' without 'to' as if it were 'get used' + infinitive: 'He is getting used learn' (wrong)

Focus: after 'used to' as a preposition use noun or verb-ing; 'used to' as past habit is different and followed by base verb.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Check the verb form after 'used to' and remember to use a gerund when 'to' is a preposition.

Quiz

Complete: She _____ to giving presentations in English.

Hint: Think about the present state: use a form of 'be' before 'used to'.

Quiz

Choose the sentence that describes a past habit that no longer happens:

Hint: Look for the structure that indicates a past repeated action.

Key Points

GrammarPoint

be used to

phrase (verb phrase) CEFR B1 //biː juːst tuː//

To be familiar with something; it is not difficult or strange.

I am used to taking calls in the evening.

GrammarPoint

get used to

phrasal verb CEFR B1 //ɡɛt juːst tuː//

To become familiar with something; the process of adjusting.

New employees often get used to the company's procedures after a few weeks.

GrammarPoint

used to

modal-like phrase CEFR B1 //juːst tuː//

Describes a past habit or situation that no longer happens.

I used to work in that office before the relocation.

Vocabulary

accustomed

adjective CEFR B2 //əˈkʌstəmd//

Familiar with something; used to it.

She is accustomed to high workloads.

Vocabulary

habit

noun CEFR A2 //ˈhæbɪt//

A regular behavior or practice.

Checking email in the morning is a habit for many managers.