Être habitué à quelque chose (Be Used To + -ing)
be used to + -ingte permet de parler de tes
habitudes actuelles et de ce qui est normal pour toi, ça sonne super naturel !
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.
Overview
be used to. C'est le pont entre 'c'est étrange' et 'c'est ma vie normale'.How This Grammar Works
to dans cette expression est une préposition. Il ne fait pas partie d'un infinitif. C'est le moment 'eurêka !' pour la plupart des apprenants.to est une préposition, il doit être suivi d'un nom ou d'un gérondif (la forme en -ing). Vous ne pouvez pas le faire suivre d'un verbe de base. Pensez-y comme à l'expression 'excited about'.used to quelque chose. Ce 'quelque chose' est votre nom ou votre gérondif. Il décrit votre réalité actuelle.
Formation Pattern
to be. Elle change en fonction du sujet et du temps (am, is, are, was, were, will be).
used to.
-ing) ou un Nom/Pronom.
When To Use It
- Nouveaux environnements : Vous avez emménagé dans une cité U et vous êtes enfin
used topartager une salle de bain avec cinq inconnus. - Technologie : Vous venez d'avoir une nouvelle souris gamer et vous êtes
used toles boutons supplémentaires. - Météo : Vous avez quitté la Floride pour le Canada et vous êtes enfin
used toporter trois couches de vêtements.
Common Mistakes
- 1Oublier le verbe 'be' : Les gens disent 'I used to the city'. Faux ! Il faut
am/is/are. Correct : 'I am used to the city'. - 2Utiliser l'infinitif : C'est la grosse erreur. Les gens disent 'I am used to wake up early'. Votre prof d'anglais vient de s'évanouir. Utilisez le
-ing! Correct : 'I am used to waking up early'.
Contrast With Similar Patterns
- Used to + Base Verb : Pour les habitudes passées. 'I used to eat meat' (je suis végétarien maintenant).
- Be used to + Gerund : Pour l'état d'être habitué. 'I am used to the noise' (le bruit ne me dérange plus).
Quick FAQ
R: Oui ! 'I'm used to my roommate's snoring'.
-ing ?R: Oui, si vous utilisez un verbe. Ou utilisez simplement un nom : '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.
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.”
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.”
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
| Modèle | Signification | Exemple |
|---|---|---|
|
Be used to + -ing
|
Habitué(e) à / Familier(ère) avec (état actuel)
|
I'm used to waking up early.
|
|
Get used to + -ing
|
Le processus de s'habituer
|
I'm getting used to waking up early.
|
|
Used to + infinitive
|
Habitude/état passé, qui n'est plus vrai
|
I used to wake up late.
|
|
Be used for + noun/-ing
|
Utilité d'un objet
|
This knife is used for cutting bread.
|
|
Be used as + noun
|
Fonction/rôle d'un objet
|
This box can be used as a table.
|
Spectre de formalité
I have become accustomed to the revised schedule. (Workplace)
I'm used to the new schedule. (Workplace)
I'm cool with the new hours. (Workplace)
I'm down with the new shift. (Workplace)
Be Used To + -ing : Ta zone de confort
Structure
- Sujet e.g., I, She, We
- Verbe Be am, is, are, was, were
- Used to L'expression fixe
- Gérondif Verbe + -ing
Utilisation
- Habitudes actuelles Routine actions
- Adaptation Adjusted to new situations
- Zone de confort Things that feel normal
- Noms aussi ! Used to + noun (e.g., the cold)
Contraste avec
- Used to + Inf. Past habits, no longer true
- Get Used To + -ing Process of adapting
Used To : Une famille d'expressions
Quel 'Used To' utiliser ?
Parles-tu d'une habitude ou d'un état passé qui n'existe plus ?
Décris-tu le *processus* de t'habituer à quelque chose ?
Décris-tu un *état* d'être déjà habitué(e) à quelque chose ?
Activités auxquelles on s'habitue
Routines quotidiennes
- • waking up early
- • commuting
- • cooking healthy
- • exercising daily
Nouveaux environnements
- • the city noise
- • cold weather
- • driving on the left
- • new food
Vie professionnelle
- • working remotely
- • long meetings
- • managing deadlines
- • new software
Situations sociales
- • speaking English
- • meeting new people
- • large gatherings
- • different customs
Exemples par niveau
I am used to the cold.
I am used to the cold.
She is used to the noise.
She is used to the noise.
Are you used to the food?
Are you used to the food?
They are not used to the sun.
They are not used to the sun.
I am used to my new car.
I am used to my new car.
He isn't used to the new teacher.
He isn't used to the new teacher.
We are getting used to the new house.
We are getting used to the new house.
Is she used to her new phone?
Is she used to her new phone?
I am used to waking up at 6 AM.
I am used to waking up at 6 AM.
She is used to working in a team.
She is used to working in a team.
They aren't used to eating so late.
They aren't used to eating so late.
Are you used to living in a flat?
Are you used to living in a flat?
I've finally gotten used to the way he speaks.
I've finally gotten used to the way he speaks.
She was used to being the best in her class.
She was used to being the best in her class.
You'll get used to the pressure of the job.
You'll get used to the pressure of the job.
We weren't used to having so much free time.
We weren't used to having so much free time.
He is quite used to being criticized by the media.
He is quite used to being criticized by the media.
I'm not used to such blatant disregard for the rules.
I'm not used to such blatant disregard for the rules.
Having lived in Tokyo, she was used to navigating crowded trains.
Having lived in Tokyo, she was used to navigating crowded trains.
They had become used to the silence of the desert.
They had become used to the silence of the desert.
The seasoned diplomat was used to parrying difficult questions.
The seasoned diplomat was used to parrying difficult questions.
One eventually becomes used to the ephemeral nature of fame.
One eventually becomes used to the ephemeral nature of fame.
She was used to the rhythmic, almost hypnotic, sound of the loom.
She was used to the rhythmic, almost hypnotic, sound of the loom.
He was used to his authority being absolute and unquestioned.
He was used to his authority being absolute and unquestioned.
Facile à confondre
Learners mix up 'I used to drive' (past habit) and 'I am used to driving' (current familiarity).
Learners think 'be used to' and 'get used to' are identical.
Learners use 'used to' to talk about present habits.
Erreurs courantes
I used to the cold.
I am used to the cold.
I am use to the cold.
I am used to the cold.
I am used the cold.
I am used to the cold.
He used to the rain.
He is used to the rain.
I am used to drive.
I am used to driving.
Are you used to the new job?
Are you used to the new job?
I not used to this.
I am not used to this.
I used to living here.
I am used to living here.
I am used to wake up early.
I am used to waking up early.
I've used to the noise.
I've gotten used to the noise.
I am used to be told what to do.
I am used to being told what to do.
Structures de phrases
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
I am used to working under tight deadlines.
Still not used to the new update! #tech
Are you used to the local currency yet?
Ugh, not used to this heat wave.
Are you used to the side effects of the medication?
I'm getting used to the new neighborhood.
Repère le verbe 'Be'
used to. S'il manque, tu parles sûrement d'une habitude passée avec 'used to + infinitif'. I used to live there.(J'y habitais avant, mais plus maintenant).
Le gérondif est LA clé !
be used to est une préposition, donc il DOIT être suivi d'un verbe en -ing (gérondif). Ne mets jamais la forme de base du verbe. I am used to waking up early.(Pas 'to wake').
Pense 'Normal pour moi'
be used to + -ing, pose-toi la question : 'Cette activité ou situation est-elle normale et confortable pour moi maintenant ?' Si oui, c'est ce modèle qu'il te faut ! "It's normal for me to drink coffee in the morning. I am used to drinking coffee in the morning."
S'adapter aux nouvelles cultures
ou She's not used to the direct communication style yet." Parfait pour raconter tes expériences !Les noms, ça marche aussi !
be used to avec des noms ou des groupes nominaux, pas seulement des gérondifs. Par exemple, "I'm used to the traffic au lieu de I'm used to driving in traffic". C'est plus court !Smart Tips
Check if there is a 'be' verb before 'used'. If yes, add -ing!
Use 'get used to' to describe your journey of adjustment.
Use 'accustomed to' instead of 'used to' for a more professional tone.
Use the present perfect: 'I still haven't gotten used to...'
Prononciation
The 'd' in 'used'
In 'used to', the 'd' is often silent or blends into the 't' of 'to'. It sounds like /juːst tuː/.
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.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Remember: 'BE used to -ING'. If you see the verb 'BE', you must use the '-ING'.
Association visuelle
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
Défi
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.
Notes culturelles
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'.
Amorces de conversation
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?
Sujets d'écriture
Erreurs courantes
Test Yourself
He ___ used to working in a team.
Find and fix the mistake:
I am used to drive my kids to school every day.
Translate into English: 'Ella está acostumbrada a levantarse temprano.'
Answer starts with: ["S...
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Score: /4
Exercices pratiques
8 exercisesI am not used to ___ (eat) such a large breakfast.
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
She is used to wake up at 5 AM every morning.
Driving on the left is now normal for me.
1. I used to run. 2. I am used to running.
A: How is the new job? B: It's hard, I'm not ___ the long hours yet.
You can use 'be used to' with a noun.
not / I / used / am / to / weather / this
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesThey were used to ___ all night for exams.
My cat ___ used to sleeping on my bed.
We are used to live in a small apartment.
He isn't used to the long hours, he needs to getting used to them.
Choose the correct sentence:
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Nosotros no estamos acostumbrados al silencio de aquí.'
Translate into English: '¿Estás acostumbrado a vivir solo?'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Associe les sujets à la forme correcte :
Associe les débuts aux bonnes fins :
Score: /12
FAQ (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
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Estar acostumbrado a + infinitivo
Spanish uses infinitive; English uses gerund.
Être habitué à + infinitif
English uses 'be' + 'used to' + '-ing'.
An etwas gewöhnt sein
German uses 'zu' + infinitive; English uses 'to' + '-ing'.
〜に慣れている (ni narete iru)
Japanese doesn't have a gerund/infinitive distinction in the same way.
معتاد على (mu'tad 'ala)
Preposition choice and verb form.
习惯 (xíguàn)
English requires the 'be' verb and specific verb endings.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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