B1 Gerunds & Infinitives 15 min read Medio

Estar Acostumbrado a Algo (Be Used To + -ing)

Dominar 'be used to + -ing' te ayuda a sonar súper natural cuando hablas de tus hábitos actuales y tu zona de confort.
Marcar como aprendido
Practícalo

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'be used to' + '-ing' to describe things that are familiar, normal, or no longer strange to you.

  • Always include the verb 'be' (am/is/are/was) before 'used to' for current familiarity. Example: 'I am used to the noise.'
  • Follow 'used to' with a noun or a gerund (-ing verb). Example: 'She is used to driving in traffic.'
  • Never use the base form of the verb after 'be used to'. Example: 'I am used to wake up early' is incorrect.
👤 + 🐝 (am/is/are) + 🧱 (used to) + 🏃‍♂️-ing / 📦 (Noun)

Overview

¿Alguna vez has intentado cambiar de un iPhone a un Android y has sentido que tus pulgares se rompieron de repente? ¿O tal vez te mudaste a un nuevo país y sigues intentando entrar por el lado del conductor, solo para darte cuenta de que el volante está al otro lado? Esa sensación de 'esto es raro' acaba desapareciendo.
Cuando eso ocurre, necesitas una estructura gramatical específica para describir tu nueva zona de confort. Ahí es donde entra be used to. Es el puente entre 'esto es extraño' y 'esta es mi vida normal'.
La mayoría de la gente mete la pata al confundirlo con hábitos pasados. Pero hoy nos aseguraremos de que no vuelvas a cometer ese error.

How This Grammar Works

Lo más importante que debes recordar es que el to de esta frase es una preposición. No forma parte de un infinitivo. Este es el momento '¡eureka!' para la mayoría de los estudiantes.
Como to es una preposición, debe ir seguida de un sustantivo o un gerundio (la forma -ing). No puedes usar un verbo base. Piénsalo como la frase 'excited about'.
Dices 'I am excited about the party' o 'I am excited about going'. No dices 'I am excited about go'. La misma lógica se aplica aquí.
Estás used to algo. Ese 'algo' es tu sustantivo o gerundio. Describe tu realidad actual.

Formation Pattern

1
Empieza con tu Sujeto (I, You, The cat, My roommate).
2
Añade la forma correcta del verbo to be. Esto cambia según el sujeto y el tiempo del que hables (am, is, are, was, were, will be).
3
Añade la frase fija used to.
4
Termina con un Gerundio (verbo en -ing) o un Sustantivo/Pronombre.

When To Use It

Usa esto cuando algo se haya vuelto 'normal' para ti.
  • Nuevos entornos: Te mudaste a una residencia y por fin estás used to compartir el baño con cinco desconocidos.
  • Tecnología: Te acabas de comprar un ratón para gaming y ya estás used to los botones extra.
  • Clima: Te mudaste de Florida a Canadá y por fin estás used to llevar tres capas de ropa.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Olvidar el verbo 'be': La gente dice 'I used to the city'. ¡Mal! Necesitas el am/is/are. Correcto: 'I am used to the city'.
  2. 2Usar el infinitivo: Este es el gran error. La gente dice 'I am used to wake up early'. Tu profesor de inglés acaba de desmayarse. ¡Usa el -ing! Correcto: 'I am used to waking up early'.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

  • Used to + Base Verb: Para hábitos pasados. 'I used to eat meat' (ahora soy vegetariano).
  • Be used to + Gerund: Para el estado de estar acostumbrado. 'I am used to the noise' (el ruido ya no me molesta).

Quick FAQ

P: ¿Puedo usarlo para personas?

R: ¡Sí! 'I'm used to my roommate's snoring'.

P: ¿Siempre es -ing?

R: Sí, si usas un verbo. O simplemente usa un sustantivo: 'I'm used to the noise'.

Conjugating 'Be Used To'

Subject Verb 'Be' Used To Object (Noun/Gerund)
I
am / was
used to
the noise / working
You
are / were
used to
the weather / driving
He/She/It
is / was
used to
the food / waking up
We
are / were
used to
the rules / living here
They
are / were
used to
the traffic / commuting

Common Contractions

Full Form Contraction Negative Contraction
I am used to
I'm used to
I'm not used to
You are used to
You're used to
You aren't used to
He is used to
He's used to
He isn't used to
We are used to
We're used to
We aren't used to

Meanings

To be familiar with something so that it no longer seems surprising, difficult, or strange.

1

Current State of Familiarity

Describing a present situation where you feel comfortable or adjusted to a specific environment or habit.

“I am used to working late on Tuesdays.”

“He is used to the cold weather in Canada.”

2

The Process of Adjustment (Get used to)

Using 'get' instead of 'be' to describe the transition from something being strange to becoming familiar.

“It took me a while to get used to the new software.”

“You will soon get used to the commute.”

3

Past Familiarity

Describing a state of being accustomed to something in the past that may or may not continue now.

“When I lived in the city, I was used to hearing sirens all night.”

“They weren't used to such high levels of humidity.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Estar Acostumbrado a Algo (Be Used To + -ing)
Patrón Significado Ejemplo
Be used to + -ing
Acostumbrado/Familiarizado con (estado actual)
I'm used to waking up early.
Get used to + -ing
El proceso de acostumbrarse
I'm getting used to waking up early.
Used to + infinitive
Hábito/estado pasado, ya no es cierto
I used to wake up late.
Be used for + noun/-ing
Propósito de un objeto
This knife is used for cutting bread.
Be used as + noun
Función/rol de un objeto
This box can be used as a table.

Espectro de formalidad

Formal
I have become accustomed to the revised schedule.

I have become accustomed to the revised schedule. (Workplace)

Neutral
I'm used to the new schedule.

I'm used to the new schedule. (Workplace)

Informal
I'm cool with the new hours.

I'm cool with the new hours. (Workplace)

Jerga
I'm down with the new shift.

I'm down with the new shift. (Workplace)

Be Used To + -ing: Tu Zona de Confort

Be Used To + -ing

Estructura

  • Subject ej., I, She, We
  • Be verb am, is, are, was, were
  • Used to La frase fija
  • Gerund Verbo + -ing

Uso

  • Hábitos Actuales Acciones rutinarias
  • Adaptación Ajustado a nuevas situaciones
  • Zona de Confort Cosas que se sienten normales
  • ¡También Sustantivos! Used to + sustantivo (ej., the cold)

Contraste Con

  • Used to + Inf. Hábitos pasados, ya no son ciertos
  • Get Used To + -ing Proceso de adaptación

Used To: Una Familia de Frases

Be Used To + -ing
I'm used to waking up early. Acostumbrado ahora.
She's used to the noise. Lo encuentra normal.
Get Used To + -ing
I'm getting used to waking up early. En proceso de adaptación.
She's getting used to the noise. Todavía adaptándose.
Used To + Infinitive
I used to wake up late. Hábito pasado, ya no.
She used to live in a quiet town. Estado pasado, ahora no.

¿Qué 'Used To' Uso?

1

¿Estás hablando de un hábito o estado pasado que ya no existe?

YES
Usa: used to + infinitive
NO
Continúa
2

¿Estás describiendo el *proceso* de acostumbrarse a algo?

YES
Usa: get used to + -ing
NO
Continúa
3

¿Estás describiendo un *estado* de ya estar acostumbrado a algo?

YES
Usa: be used to + -ing
NO
¡Reevalúa tu intención!

Actividades a las que nos Acostumbramos

⏰

Rutinas Diarias

  • • waking up early
  • • commuting
  • • cooking healthy
  • • exercising daily
🏙️

Nuevos Entornos

  • • the city noise
  • • cold weather
  • • driving on the left
  • • new food
💻

Vida Laboral

  • • working remotely
  • • long meetings
  • • managing deadlines
  • • new software
👥

Situaciones Sociales

  • • speaking English
  • • meeting new people
  • • large gatherings
  • • different customs
Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Ejemplos por nivel

1

I am used to the cold.

I am used to the cold.

2

She is used to the noise.

She is used to the noise.

3

Are you used to the food?

Are you used to the food?

4

They are not used to the sun.

They are not used to the sun.

1

I am used to my new car.

I am used to my new car.

2

He isn't used to the new teacher.

He isn't used to the new teacher.

3

We are getting used to the new house.

We are getting used to the new house.

4

Is she used to her new phone?

Is she used to her new phone?

1

I am used to waking up at 6 AM.

I am used to waking up at 6 AM.

2

She is used to working in a team.

She is used to working in a team.

3

They aren't used to eating so late.

They aren't used to eating so late.

4

Are you used to living in a flat?

Are you used to living in a flat?

1

I've finally gotten used to the way he speaks.

I've finally gotten used to the way he speaks.

2

She was used to being the best in her class.

She was used to being the best in her class.

3

You'll get used to the pressure of the job.

You'll get used to the pressure of the job.

4

We weren't used to having so much free time.

We weren't used to having so much free time.

1

He is quite used to being criticized by the media.

He is quite used to being criticized by the media.

2

I'm not used to such blatant disregard for the rules.

I'm not used to such blatant disregard for the rules.

3

Having lived in Tokyo, she was used to navigating crowded trains.

Having lived in Tokyo, she was used to navigating crowded trains.

4

They had become used to the silence of the desert.

They had become used to the silence of the desert.

1

The seasoned diplomat was used to parrying difficult questions.

The seasoned diplomat was used to parrying difficult questions.

2

One eventually becomes used to the ephemeral nature of fame.

One eventually becomes used to the ephemeral nature of fame.

3

She was used to the rhythmic, almost hypnotic, sound of the loom.

She was used to the rhythmic, almost hypnotic, sound of the loom.

4

He was used to his authority being absolute and unquestioned.

He was used to his authority being absolute and unquestioned.

Fácil de confundir

Being Accustomed to Something (Be Used To + -ing) vs Used To (Past Habit)

Learners mix up 'I used to drive' (past habit) and 'I am used to driving' (current familiarity).

Being Accustomed to Something (Be Used To + -ing) vs Get Used To

Learners think 'be used to' and 'get used to' are identical.

Being Accustomed to Something (Be Used To + -ing) vs Usually

Learners use 'used to' to talk about present habits.

Errores comunes

✗

I used to the cold.

✓

I am used to the cold.

You forgot the verb 'be'.
✗

I am use to the cold.

✓

I am used to the cold.

You must use the 'd' at the end of 'used'.
✗

I am used the cold.

✓

I am used to the cold.

You forgot the preposition 'to'.
✗

He used to the rain.

✓

He is used to the rain.

Subject-verb agreement: 'He' needs 'is'.
✗

I am used to drive.

✓

I am used to driving.

You used the base verb instead of the -ing form.
✗

Are you used to the new job?

✓

Are you used to the new job?

This is actually correct, but learners often try to say 'Do you used to...'
✗

I not used to this.

✓

I am not used to this.

Missing 'am' in the negative.
✗

I used to living here.

✓

I am used to living here.

Confusing 'used to' (past habit) with 'be used to' (familiarity).
✗

I am used to wake up early.

✓

I am used to waking up early.

The 'to' is a preposition, so it needs -ing.
✗

I've used to the noise.

✓

I've gotten used to the noise.

In the present perfect, you usually need 'gotten' to show the process.
✗

I am used to be told what to do.

✓

I am used to being told what to do.

Even in the passive, you must use the -ing form ('being').

Patrones de oraciones

I am used to ___.

She isn't used to ___ing ___.

It took me a long time to get used to ___.

Are you used to ___ yet?

Real World Usage

Job Interview very common

I am used to working under tight deadlines.

Social Media common

Still not used to the new update! #tech

Travel constant

Are you used to the local currency yet?

Texting very common

Ugh, not used to this heat wave.

Doctor's Visit occasional

Are you used to the side effects of the medication?

Moving House common

I'm getting used to the new neighborhood.

Regístrate gratis para ver todos los ejemplos
💡

¡Busca el verbo 'to be'!

Imagina que estás escribiendo un mensaje y dudas. Siempre revisa si tienes 'am, is, are, was, were' antes de 'used to'. Si no está, ¡probablemente hablas de un hábito pasado!
I used to play soccer.
⚠️

¡El Gerundio es Clave!

¡Cuidado con la trampa! Después de 'be used to', la palabra 'to' es una preposición, no parte de un infinitivo. Por eso, el verbo SIEMPRE va en -ing.
I am used to driving.
(No to drive).
🎯

Piensa: '¿Es normal para mí?'

Cuando no sepas si usar esta estructura, pregúntate:
¿Esto es algo normal y cómodo para mí AHORA?
Si la respuesta es sí, ¡úsala!
I am used to the cold.
🌍

¡Para Adaptarse a Nuevas Culturas!

¡Esta frase es perfecta para cuando viajas! Si ya te acostumbraste a algo nuevo, úsala. Por ejemplo: "I'm used to eating dinner late here o She's not used to the direct communication style yet."
💡

¡También Funciona con Sustantivos!

¡No solo con verbos! Puedes usar 'be used to' con sustantivos o frases nominales. Por ejemplo: "I'm used to the traffic (En vez de I'm used to driving in traffic").

Smart Tips

Check if there is a 'be' verb before 'used'. If yes, add -ing!

I am used to drive. → I am used to driving.

Use 'get used to' to describe your journey of adjustment.

I am used to the city. (But I just arrived!) → I am getting used to the city.

Use 'accustomed to' instead of 'used to' for a more professional tone.

I'm used to the new rules. → I have become accustomed to the new regulations.

Use the present perfect: 'I still haven't gotten used to...'

I am not used to it yet. → I still haven't gotten used to it.

Pronunciación

yoost-too

The 'd' in 'used'

In 'used to', the 'd' is often silent or blends into the 't' of 'to'. It sounds like /juːst tuː/.

yoost (rhymes with boost)

The 's' sound

The 's' in 'used to' is unvoiced /s/, unlike the verb 'to use' which has a voiced /z/.

Stress on 'used'

I am USED to it.

Emphasizing that you are indeed familiar, perhaps after someone doubted you.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Remember: 'BE used to -ING'. If you see the verb 'BE', you must use the '-ING'.

Asociación visual

Imagine a person standing comfortably in a snowstorm. They are wearing a t-shirt and smiling. They are 'used to' the cold. The 'BE' verb is like the t-shirt—it's part of their current state.

Rhyme

With a 'be' and a 'to', the '-ing' is for you!

Story

When I first moved to the city, the sirens kept me awake. I was NOT used to the noise. After a month, I started GETTING used to it. Now, I AM used to the noise and I sleep like a baby.

Word Web

AccustomedFamiliarHabitNormalAdjustedRoutineComfortable

Desafío

Look around your room. Find three things you are used to (e.g., 'I am used to the color of my walls') and one thing you are still getting used to.

Notas culturales

British people often use 'be used to' when discussing the weather or queuing. It's a way of showing resilience.

In the US, this is frequently used when discussing long commutes or large food portions.

This is the primary grammar rule used in 'Culture Shock' workshops to describe the adjustment phase.

The word 'used' comes from the Old French 'user', meaning 'to practice or be accustomed to'.

Inicios de conversación

“

What is something about your city that visitors aren't used to?

“

Are you used to waking up early, or are you a night owl?

“

Tell me about a habit you're still getting used to.

“

If you moved to a different country, what would be the hardest thing to get used to?

Temas para diario

Write about your first week at a new job or school. What were you not used to?
Describe a major life change (moving, a new relationship, a health change). How did you get used to it?
Compare your life now to five years ago. What are you used to now that you weren't then?
Discuss the concept of 'The New Normal' in the context of global changes.

Errores comunes

Incorrect

Correcto

Incorrect

Correcto

Incorrect

Correcto

Incorrect

Correcto

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Elige la forma correcta para completar la oración.

He ___ used to working in a team.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is
'He' usa la forma singular 'is' en presente.
Encuentra y corrige el error en la oración. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

I am used to drive my kids to school every day.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I am used to driving my kids to school every day.
Después de 'be used to', el verbo debe ir en gerundio (-ing). 'Drive' debe ser 'driving'.
Escribe la oración correcta en inglés. Traducción

Traduce al inglés: 'Ella está acostumbrada a levantarse temprano.'

Answer starts with: ["S...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["She is used to getting up early.","She's used to getting up early."]
El patrón 'be used to + -ing' expresa estar acostumbrado a algo. 'Getting up early' es la forma de gerundio.
Ordena las palabras para formar una oración correcta. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She is used to the noise
El orden correcto es Sujeto + 'be' + 'used to' + Sustantivo. 'Noise' es un sustantivo aquí.

Score: /4

Ejercicios de practica

8 exercises
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb in brackets.

I am not used to ___ (eat) such a large breakfast.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: eating
'Be used to' must be followed by a gerund (-ing).
Choose the correct sentence. Opción múltiple

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I am used to living in London.
The structure is 'be' + 'used to' + '-ing'.
Find the error in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

She is used to wake up at 5 AM every morning.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: wake
It should be 'waking' because 'be used to' requires a gerund.
Rewrite the sentence using 'be used to'. Sentence Transformation

Driving on the left is now normal for me.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I am used to driving on the left.
'Be used to' describes something that is normal.
Match the sentence to its meaning. Match Pairs

1. I used to run. 2. I am used to running.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1=Past habit, 2=Current familiarity
'Used to' (no 'be') is for the past.
Fill in the blank. Dialogue Completion

A: How is the new job? B: It's hard, I'm not ___ the long hours yet.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: used to
The 'am' is already there, so we just need 'used to'.
Is this rule true or false? True False Rule

You can use 'be used to' with a noun.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: True
Yes, e.g., 'I am used to the noise.'
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Building

not / I / used / am / to / weather / this

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I am not used to this weather.
Subject + be + not + used to + noun.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Elige la forma correcta. Completar huecos

They were used to ___ all night for exams.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: studying
Elige la forma correcta. Completar huecos

My cat ___ used to sleeping on my bed.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is
Encuentra y corrige el error. Error Correction

We are used to live in a small apartment.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: We are used to living in a small apartment.
Encuentra y corrige el error. Error Correction

He isn't used to the long hours, he needs to getting used to them.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He isn't used to the long hours, he needs to get used to them.
¿Qué oración es correcta? Opción múltiple

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I am used to eating spicy food.
¿Qué oración es correcta? Opción múltiple

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: They weren't used to traveling so much.
Escribe la oración correcta en inglés. Traducción

Translate into English: 'Nosotros no estamos acostumbrados al silencio de aquí.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["We are not used to the quiet here.","We aren't used to the quiet here."]
Escribe la oración correcta en inglés. Traducción

Translate into English: '¿Estás acostumbrado a vivir solo?'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["Are you used to living alone?","Are you used to living by yourself?"]
Ordena las palabras para formar una oración correcta. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He is already used to the new software
Ordena las palabras para formar una oración correcta. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She is always used to staying up late
Une cada situación con la frase correcta de 'used to'. Match Pairs

Match the subjects with the correct form:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Une el principio de la oración con su final correcto. Match Pairs

Match the beginnings with the correct endings:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched

Score: /12

Preguntas frecuentes (8)

`Used to` describes a past habit (e.g., 'I used to smoke'). `Be used to` describes current familiarity (e.g., 'I am used to the noise').

No. You must say `I am used to swimming`. The 'to' is a preposition, so it needs a gerund.

Not exactly. `Get used to` is the process of becoming familiar. `Be used to` is the final state of being familiar.

Yes! 'You will soon be used to the new system.'

Because 'used' is acting as an adjective (like 'tired' or 'bored').

Yes, absolutely. 'I am used to the city.'

It is neutral and used in all contexts, from casual chat to business meetings.

Use the negative: 'I am not used to...' or 'I haven't gotten used to...'

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Regístrate gratis para practicar

In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

Estar acostumbrado a + infinitivo

Spanish uses infinitive; English uses gerund.

French moderate

Être habitué à + infinitif

English uses 'be' + 'used to' + '-ing'.

German partial

An etwas gewöhnt sein

German uses 'zu' + infinitive; English uses 'to' + '-ing'.

Japanese high

〜に慣れている (ni narete iru)

Japanese doesn't have a gerund/infinitive distinction in the same way.

Arabic moderate

معتاد على (mu'tad 'ala)

Preposition choice and verb form.

Chinese low

习惯 (xíguàn)

English requires the 'be' verb and specific verb endings.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
¡No puedo evitarlo! (Can't Help + Gerundio)

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