Used to plus the bare infinitive refers exclusively to a past habit or state that no longer exists, as in I used to smoke, while be used to plus a gerund or noun means accustomed to in any tense, and get used to plus a gerund or noun describes becoming accustomed. Used to takes a bare infinitive; be/get used to never do.
Grammar Rule
Used to + bare infinitive refers exclusively to a past habit or state that no longer exists, with no present form. Be used to + gerund/noun means accustomed to and appears in any tense. Get used to + gerund/noun describes the process of becoming accustomed to something. Used to takes a bare infinitive, while be/get used to take a gerund or noun, never a bare infinitive.
Used To vs Be Used To vs Get Used To (C1 Consolidation): Rules and Examples
| Form | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Used to + infinitive | past habit/state, no longer true | I used to smoke. |
| Be used to + gerund/noun | accustomed to, any tense | I am used to working nights. |
| Get used to + gerund/noun | becoming accustomed, any tense | He got used to living alone. |
Remember: Used to + infinitive; be/get used to + gerund or noun — never a bare infinitive after be/get used to.
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.
C1-28 Used to / Be used to / Get used to Consolidation
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does used to plus the infinitive express?
A past habit or state that no longer exists, as in I used to smoke.
What does be used to express?
Being accustomed to something, in any tense, as in I am used to working nights.
What does get used to express?
The process of becoming accustomed to something, as in he got used to living alone.
What form follows be used to and get used to?
A gerund or noun, never a bare infinitive.