What’s the Difference Between “Used To,” “Be Used To,” and “Get Used To”?
English learners often find phrases like used to, be used to, and get used to confusing because they look similar but have very different meanings and uses. Understanding the distinctions is key to using them correctly.
1. Used To + Base Verb
The phrase used to describes a past habit or state that no longer exists. It’s followed by the base form of a verb (infinitive without “to”).
Structure: used to + base verb
Example: I used to play the guitar.
(This means that playing the guitar was a regular activity in the past, but not anymore.)
It’s used only in the past tense. For questions and negatives, we use did:
Question: Did you use to live in New York?
Negative: I didn’t use to like coffee.
Notice that in the negative and question forms, use to (not “used to”) is used.
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2. Be Used To + Noun/Gerund
Be used to means being accustomed to something — it’s familiar, and not difficult anymore. This can refer to the past, present, or future depending on the form of the verb “to be.” It is followed by a noun or a gerund (verb+ing).
Structure: be used to + noun/gerund
Example: I am used to waking up early.
(Waking up early is not difficult for me now — I am accustomed to it.)
You can change the tense of “be” as needed:
She was used to the noise.
They will be used to the cold soon.
3. Get Used To + Noun/Gerund
Get used to refers to the process of becoming accustomed to something. It emphasizes the change or transition from unfamiliar to familiar.
Structure: get used to + noun/gerund
Example: He is getting used to his new job.
(He is in the process of becoming comfortable with his new job.)
Like be used to, this form can be used in various tenses:
I got used to driving on the left.
You’ll get used to it eventually.
Download this quiz with answers in PDF.
Summary
Used to = past habit or state (no longer true)
Be used to = be accustomed to (something familiar)
Get used to = become accustomed to (a process of adaptation)
Understanding the context and structure helps avoid confusion and improves fluency in both spoken and written English.