Use used to plus the base verb for a past habit no longer true, as in I used to play the guitar when I was younger, be used to plus a noun or gerund for familiarity, as in I’m used to waking up early now, and get used to plus a noun or gerund for the process of becoming familiar, as in he’s getting used to working night shifts.
Grammar Rule
These three structures look similar but work differently: one describes a past habit, the other two describe familiarity in any tense.
Used To vs Be Used To vs Get Used To: Rules and Examples
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| used to + base verb | past habit, no longer true | I used to play the guitar when I was younger. I didn’t use to like spicy food. |
| be used to + noun/gerund | accustomed to | I’m used to waking up early now. |
| get used to + noun/gerund | becoming accustomed | He’s getting used to working night shifts. They got used to eating dinner late in Spain. |
Remember: used to + base verb = past habit; be used to + noun/gerund = accustomed; get used to + noun/gerund = becoming accustomed.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below choosing correctly between used to, be used to, and get used to. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
B2-29. Used to / Be used to / Get used to
Click «Start the test» to begin right away — no signup required. You can get a personalized certificate with your name and score at the end, if you want one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does used to plus the base verb express?
A past habit that is no longer true, as in I used to play the guitar when I was younger.
What does be used to express?
Familiarity or being accustomed to something, as in I’m used to waking up early now.
What does get used to express?
The process of becoming accustomed to something, as in he’s getting used to working night shifts.
What form follows be used to and get used to?
A noun or gerund, never the base verb, as in used to plus the base verb does.