How to use “used to” in English: A complete grammar guide

Mik aka NatureCrankByMik aka NatureCrank Updated on
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Learn the essential rules for using "used to," "be used to," and "get used to" with our comprehensive English grammar guide.
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“I’m used to waking up at six in the morning.”

Have you ever said “I am use to” when you meant “I used to”? You’re not alone. While it looks like one simple phrase, “used to” actually wears three different hats in English. Whether you’re looking back at your childhood or trying to describe how you’re adjusting to a new city, getting the grammar right is the difference between sounding like a beginner and sounding like a pro.

1. Past habits and states: The “used to” structure

We use this form to talk about something that was true in the past but is no longer true today. It is perfect for talking about old hobbies, past living situations, or outdated preferences.

  • Grammar rule: Subject + used to + infinitive verb.
  • The meaning: It emphasizes the contrast between “then” and “now.”

Examples of past habits

  • “I used to play soccer every weekend.” (Implies I don’t play anymore.)
  • “She used to live in France.” (She lives somewhere else now.)
  • “There used to be a movie theater here.” (The building is gone or has changed.)

Check out the world’s best-selling grammar book, English Grammar in Use with Answers, for more ‘used to’ exercises.

Negatives and questions (The “d” debate)

When using the auxiliary verb “did,” the “d” at the end of “used” is dropped.

  • Negative: “He didn’t use to like vegetables.”
  • Question: “Did you use to go to that school?”
A split-screen image showing a woman on a vintage bicycle (used to + infinitive) and a woman on a modern stationary bike (be used to + ing) to explain English grammar rules.
Understand the difference: Use “used to” for past habits and “be used to” for current familiarity.

2. Being accustomed: The “be used to” structure

This structure describes a state of familiarity. If you are “used to” something, it is no longer strange, difficult, or surprising to you.

  • Grammar rule: Subject + be (am/is/are) + used to + noun/pronoun/v-ing.
  • The meaning: You are already accustomed to a situation.

Examples of being accustomed

  • “I am used to the cold weather.” (The cold doesn’t bother me.)
  • “She is used to waking up early.” (It is a normal routine for her.)
  • “Don’t worry about the noise; they are used to it.”

3. The process of adjusting: The “get used to” structure

While “be used to” describes a finished state, “get used to” describes the process of becoming familiar with something new.

  • Grammar rule: Subject + get + used to + noun/pronoun/v-ing.
  • The meaning: You are in the middle of a transition.

Examples of the adjustment process

  • “It took me a while to get used to my new job.”
  • “I am slowly getting used to driving on the left side of the road.”
  • “You will eventually get used to the spicy food here.”

At a glance: Comparing the three forms

StructureUsageGrammar follow-upExample
Used toPast habits (finished)Infinitive (play, go)I used to smoke.
Be used toCurrently accustomedNoun or -ing verbI am used to smoking.
Get used toProcess of adjustingNoun or -ing verbI’m getting used to it.

Frequently asked questions: “Used to” vs. “Be used to”

The correct form is “didn’t use to” (without the “d”). Just like any other past simple verb, once you use the auxiliary “did” or “didn’t,” the main verb returns to its base form.

  • Incorrect: I didn’t used to like coffee.
  • Correct: I didn’t use to like coffee.

There is no present tense form of “used to” to describe current habits. To talk about a present habit, you simply use the Present Simple tense.

  • Past habit: I used to drink tea.
  • Present habit: I drink tea. (Do not say: “I use to drink tea.”)

Mostly, yes—but with one big exception. Both describe past habits (e.g., “I used to play” / “I would play”). However, you cannot use “would” for past states or situations.

  • Correct: I used to be a teacher.
  • Incorrect: I would be a teacher. (This sounds like a conditional, not a past state).

This desktop whiteboard is perfect for practicing sentence diagrams and grammar shifts at home.

In the phrase “be used to,” the word “to” is a preposition, not part of an infinitive verb. Because prepositions must be followed by a noun or a gerund, you must use the -ing form.

  • Think of it like this: “I am used to it” (noun) → “I am used to waking up” (gerund).

This is about the state versus the process.

  • Be used to: You are already comfortable. The adjustment is finished.
  • Get used to: You are still in the middle of adjusting. It might still feel a bit strange or difficult.

Yes, but this is a different grammar point entirely! This is the Passive Voice.

  • Function: “A knife is used to cut bread.”
  • Meaning: In this case, “used” is the past participle of the verb “to use,” meaning “to employ for a purpose.” It has nothing to do with habits or being accustomed.

Teacher’s tip: If you aren’t sure which one to use, try replacing the phrase with “accustomed to.” If the sentence still makes sense (e.g., “I am accustomed to the noise”), then you definitely need the -ing form or a noun. If it sounds like nonsense, you’re likely talking about a past habit.

Conclusion: Mastering the nuances of “used to”

Understanding the difference between past habits and current adjustments is a major milestone in English fluency. Picking the right version of “used to” helps you tell your story without the grammar getting in the way. Use the simple version for your “then vs. now” moments, and keep “be” or “get” for when you’re talking about your comfort zone.

Whether you are reminiscing about a childhood hobby or describing the process of settling into a new routine, these structures allow you to express the timeline of your life clearly. Remember the rule of thumb: if you’re talking about a transition, reach for “get used to”; if you’re already there, use “be used to.”

Join the conversation

We want to hear from you! English grammar is often about the process of trial and error.

  • What is one habit you “used to” have that you’ve since given up?
  • Is there a part of the English language you are still “getting used to”?

Leave a comment below with your example sentences, and we will jump in to provide feedback or answer any lingering questions. If this guide helped clarify these tricky phrases for you, share it with a fellow learner or on your favorite study forum!

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Mik aka NatureCrank

About the author
Mik is a veteran, educator, and writer who has lived off-grid and nomadic since 2020. His perspective is shaped by a diverse career in both for-profit and non-profit management, as well as years of experience as an instructor in biology, psychology, health, and ESL.

By blending his formal studies in counseling and science with the practical realities of life on the trail, Mik provides a unique, grounded approach to nature-based healing. When he isn’t documenting the natural world through wildlife photography and geology, he is exploring the intersection of scientific research and the restorative power of the outdoors.

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