Lesson 4: Expressing Habits ("used to" vs. "be/get used to")

Welcome to Intermediate Grammar! When adapting to a new environment—like starting a busy job or adjusting to a new city—we often talk about our changing habits.

In English, we use very similar-looking phrases to express completely different concepts: past habits versus familiarity. Let's break down the mechanics of used to, be used to, and get used to.

warning Crucial Structural Mistake

A very common error is mixing up the verbs that follow these structures.

Rule 1: "Used to" + Base Verb (e.g., I used to wake up early).
Rule 2: "Be/Get used to" + Noun or V-ing (e.g., I am used to waking up early). Do not say "I am used to wake".

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Grammar Structures in Action

Past Habit

Used to + (Base Verb)

To describe an action or state that was true in the past but is no longer true.

Example: I used to ride my bicycle to school every day, but now I drive a scooter.

Past Habit

Didn't use to + (Verb)

The negative form. Notice that the "d" is dropped from "used" because "didn't" already shows past tense.

Example: The city didn't use to have so many large hotels and cafes.

Current State

Be used to + (Noun)

To be completely familiar with a situation or thing so it no longer feels strange.

Example: The experienced tour guides are used to the extremely hot weather in April.

Current State

Be used to + (V-ing)

To be accustomed to performing a specific action. Requires a gerund (-ing).

Example: I am used to waking up at 4:30 AM to see the sunrise.

Process

Get used to + (Noun)

The ongoing process of becoming familiar with a new situation.

Example: It takes time for foreign tourists to get used to the busy traffic in the city.

Process

Get used to + (V-ing)

The process of becoming comfortable performing a new action. Requires a gerund (-ing).

Example: Lisa just started at the hotel, so she is getting used to speaking English all day.

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Knowledge Check

work_history Life Changes

Dara changed his career. "He _____ work in a bank, but now he is a tour guide."

(Hint: We are talking about a past habit that has stopped.)

location_city Adapting to the City

"The traffic is crazy, but I am slowly _____ it."

(Hint: It is an ongoing process of adapting.)

psychology Grammar Rule Check

Select the correct verb form: "Sophea is used to _____ late shifts at the hotel."

(Hint: Remember what verb form must come after 'be used to'.)

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Study Resources

Lesson Summary & Review

Let's review the key concepts covered in the interactive module above to ensure you understand how to express habits and familiarity correctly.

1. Used To (Past Habits)

We use used to + base verb to talk about actions or states that were true in the past but are not true anymore.

• Affirmative: I used to wake up early.
• Negative: I didn't use to wake up early. (Notice the "d" is dropped from "use").

2. Be Used To (Familiarity)

We use be used to + noun / verb-ing to say that something is familiar to us. It is not new or strange.

• With a Noun: I am used to the spicy food.
• With a Gerund (V-ing): I am used to eating spicy food.

3. Get Used To (Adapting)

We use get used to + noun / verb-ing to talk about the process of becoming familiar with something.

• With a Noun: I am getting used to the noise.
• With a Gerund (V-ing): I am getting used to living in the city.