Used to; to be used to; to get used to
There is a set of similar expressions that can cause problems for students of English: used to; to be used to; to get used to…. The first one, “used to,” is used quite differently from the other two, which are related. I think of them this way:
1. used to + simple verb: expresses an action the subject did regularly or repeatedly in the past but does not do anymore
Example: I used to smoke (but now I don’t).
He used to read a lot, but now he doesn’t have time.
- to be used to + noun/pronoun or verb-ing: to be accustomed to; to be adapted to
Example: I am used to cold weather.
She is used to living in warm climates.
He doesn’t like his job, but he’s used to it.
- to get used to + noun/pronoun or verb-ing: to be in the process of adapting or becoming accustomed to
Example: Winter in Chicago is hard, but I am getting used to it.
I don’t like healthy food, but I’m getting used to eating it.
He cannot get used to getting up at 5 AM every day. It’s too difficult for him.
During her five years in the army, she got used to running great distances.
You can speak of getting accustomed to something you did regularly in the past but which you no longer do:
Example: I used to live in Alaska. I didn’t like the cold, but I got used to living there.
He used to hate vegetables. He still does, but he has gotten used to them.
Does all this make sense? Don’t worry. You’ll get used to it!
