used to / be used to / get used to

Intermediate · Verb Tenses

These three look almost identical but mean completely different things, so they are worth separating carefully.

"used to do" = a past habit that has stopped. "be used to (doing)" = to be accustomed to something. "get used to (doing)" = the process of becoming accustomed. The trick: after "be/get used to", you need a noun or an -ing verb, not a base verb.

How to build it

used to + base verb · be used to + noun / -ing · get used to + noun / -ing

Rules & examples

1. "used to + base verb" = a past habit or state that is no longer true.

   It happened repeatedly in the past but not now.

   • I used to smoke. (I don't anymore)
   • There used to be a cinema here.
2. "be used to + noun/-ing" = to be accustomed / familiar with something.

   It is normal for you now; it does not feel strange.

   • I am used to the noise.
   • She's used to working late.
3. "get used to + noun/-ing" = to become accustomed over time.

   The process of something becoming normal.

   • You'll get used to the weather.
   • He is getting used to living alone.

Tips to remember

• Ask: base verb after it? → past habit ("used to smoke"). Noun or -ing after it? → familiarity ("used to smoking").
• For a past habit, you can also use "would": "When I was a child, I would play outside all day."

Common mistakes

• ✗ I am used to smoke. → ✓ I used to smoke. — For a past habit, use "used to + base verb" (no "am").
• ✗ I'm used to work hard. → ✓ I'm used to working hard. — After "be used to", use a noun or the -ing form.