Using “used to” in English

“I’m used to waking up at six in the morning.”

The phrase “used to” has some of distinct uses in English, which can sometimes cause confusion. However, it is a versatile phrase that can function in different ways depending on context.

Past habits or states (something no longer true)

• Meaning
  • This usage indicates something that was true in the past but is no longer true. It refers to past habits, routines, or states.
• Structure
  • “used to + infinitive” (e.g., “used to play,” “used to live”)
• Examples
  • “I used to play soccer every weekend.” (I don’t play soccer every weekend anymore.)
  • “She used to live in France.” (She no longer lives in France.)
  • “There used to be a movie theater here.” (The movie theater is no longer there.)
• Negative and question forms
  • Negative: “didn’t use to” (e.g., “He didn’t use to like vegetables.”)
  • Question: “Did you use to…?” (e.g., “Did you use to go to that school?”)

“Be/get used to” for being accustomed

• Meaning
  • This usage refers to being accustomed or familiar with something.
• Structure
  • “be/get used to + noun/pronoun/-ing form of a verb” (e.g., “be used to the noise,” “get used to working late”)
• Examples
  • “I am used to the cold weather.” (I am accustomed to it.)
  • “It took me a while to get used to my new job.” (I became accustomed to it.)
  • “She is used to waking up early.” (She is accustomed to the action of waking up early.)

Key points

• The “d” in “used to” is important when referring to past habits or states. However, when used in the negative or question form with “did,” it becomes “use to” because the “did” already marks the past tense.
• “Be/get used to” is different and refers to being accustomed, not past habits.

Advertisement