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Grammar, compared

Used to vs be used to

Used to is a past habit that stopped. Be used to means something is familiar and normal now.

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The short answer

Used to / Be used to
Used toBe used to
I used to smoke. (I don't now.)I'm used to waking up early. (It is normal for me.)
We used to live in Cordoba.She is used to the cold.
He used to drive to work.I'm getting used to the new job. (Becoming familiar.)

How each one works

Used to and be used to compared
PointUsed toBe used to
MeaningA past habit or state, now overFamiliar, no longer strange
Formused to plus base verbam, is or are used to plus -ing or a noun
Negativedidn't use toam not used to
QuestionDid you use to smoke?Are you used to it?
ChangeNot usedget used to: become familiar

Watch out if you speak Spanish

  • After did and didn't, write use to without the d: I didn't use to like coffee.
  • Used to is only for the past. For a habit now, say I usually get up at 7, not I use to get up.
  • In be used to, to is a preposition, so -ing follows: I'm used to working late, not I'm used to work.
  • Solía is used to. Acostumbrarse a is get used to.

Practice

Grammar practice

Choose or type the answer for each sentence, then check.

  1. 1. I play the piano when I was a child.
  2. 2. I'm not used the cold weather here.
  3. 3. She is used to up early.
  4. 4. We live in a small town. Now we live in Buenos Aires.
  5. 5. Did you have long hair?
  6. 6. It took me months to the noise.

  7. 7. I didn't

    like spicy food.

  8. 8. He is not used to

    in an office.work

0 of 8 checked

Questions

Is it use to or used to?
Used to in a positive sentence. After did or didn't, write use to: Did you use to live here?
Can I use used to for a present habit?
No. Use the present simple with usually: I usually walk to work.

Keep going

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Book a trial class. She writes back with times in Buenos Aires time.

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