Used to, be used to, get used to: three phrases, three meanings
They look almost the same, but one is about the past, one is about what feels normal, and one is about change.
Learners often mix these up because all three contain the words used to. What comes before and after them changes the meaning completely.
1. used to + verb: the past that's over
Rule
Use used to + base verb for habits or states that were true in the past and aren't true now.In questions and negatives, did already shows the past, so it's use to, without the d.
2. be used to + -ing: it feels normal
Rule
Use be used to + noun or be used to + -ing when something is familiar, so it no longer feels strange or difficult.Here to is a preposition, not part of an infinitive. That's why the verb after it takes -ing.
3. get used to + -ing: becoming normal
Rule
Use get used to + noun or get used to + -ing for the change: something is becoming familiar.Don't say
I'm used to get up early.
Say
I'm used to getting up early.
Don't say
I use to play the guitar when I was young.
Say
I used to play the guitar when I was young.
Summary
| Phrase | Followed by | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| used to | base verb | a past habit or state, not true now |
| be used to | noun / -ing | it's familiar now |
| get used to | noun / -ing | it's becoming familiar |
Quick check
3 questions · nothing is savedI'm used to ___ up early.
When I was a child, I ___ climb that tree every day.
Don't worry, you'll soon ___ the noise.
Practise with your own reading
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