Used to vs. Be Used to – ESLnote Grammar

Used to vs. Be Used to Intermediate

Used to describes past habits or states that are no longer true now. Be used to means to be accustomed to something (it is normal or familiar). We also use get used to to show the process of becoming accustomed.

1) Meaning & Form

Structure	Form	Meaning	Example
used to + base verb	Subject + used to + V_base	Past habit/state (not true now)	I used to live in Chicago. (I don't live there now.)
be used to + noun/gerund	Subject + am/is/are/was/were used to + N/V-ing	Accustomed/comfortable with	She is used to getting up early.
get used to + noun/gerund	Subject + get(s)/got/be getting + used to + N/V-ing	Process of becoming accustomed	They are getting used to the new software.

Quick Test:

I used to drink coffee. (past habit that changed)
I am used to strong coffee. (it feels normal for me now)
I’m getting used to decaf. (the transition is happening)

2) Negatives & Questions

a) With used to

Negative: didn’t use to + V_base (or: never used to)
Question: Did + subject + use to + V_base?

Examples:

I didn’t use to like olives.
Did you use to play soccer?

b) With be used to

Negative: be + not + used to + N/V-ing
Question: be + subject + used to + N/V-ing?

Examples:

He isn’t used to driving on the left.
Are you used to the night shift?

Spelling tip: In negatives/questions for the past habit form, write use to after did/didn’t: “Did you use to…?” / “I didn’t use to…”

3) Time Expressions

used to: when I was a child, in high school, back then, before, years ago
be/get used to: now, these days, at first, over time, gradually

4) Common Mistakes

❌ Incorrect	✅ Correct	Why
✗ I am used to eat late.	✓ I am used to eating late.	be used to + noun/gerund (V-ing), not base verb.
✗ I didn’t used to drive.	✓ I didn’t use to drive.	After did/didn’t, use base verb use.
✗ I use to play tennis now.	✓ I used to play tennis.	used to describes the past, not the present.

5) Mini Practice (Auto-check)

Type the missing words. Use: used to, use to, be used to + V-ing/noun, or get used to + V-ing/noun. Punctuation not required.

My grandparents grow their own vegetables.

I enjoy spicy food, but now I love it.

He’s working long hours; it doesn’t bother him.

It took me a month to the new schedule.

live near the beach?

She driving in snow.

We have a cat, but now we have a dog.

They are slowly remote meetings.

At first I was tired, but I waking up at 5 a.m.

10)

He eat breakfast, but he does now.

Hints: #3 needs be used to + V-ing; #5 is a question with used to → “Did you use to…?”