Being Accustomed to Something (Be Used To + -ing)
be used to + -ing helps you sound incredibly natural when discussing current habits and comfort zones.
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
Talk about things that are normal for you. Use this to say a thing is not strange.
This helps you talk about your life. It shows you feel okay with something. Example: I am used to the noise. The noise is now normal for me.
This is about now. It is not about the past. You feel okay with it now.
Learn this to speak better. You will sound more like a natural speaker.
How This Grammar Works
Formation Pattern
By next month, I will be used to my new responsibilities. (Future: predicts a future state of adaptation)
Are they used to the new software yet? (Present: inquiring about current adaptation)
Were you used to commuting such a long distance before this job? (Past: asking about past familiarity)
When To Use It
I'm used to drinking coffee black; I don't even notice the bitterness anymore.(It's a daily habit, and the taste is now normal for you.)After years in customer service, she is used to handling complaints calmly.(Her experience has made dealing with complaints a regular, manageable task.)
Living in a foreign country was tough at first, but now I am used to speaking a different language every day.(The initial difficulty of language immersion has subsided.)My cat, originally a stray, is finally used to being indoors and cuddling.(The cat has adjusted to a domesticated environment.)
During peak season, we are used to working late nights, so the current workload isn't a problem.(The team is accustomed to intense periods, making the current stress manageable.)He travels so frequently that he's used to sleeping on planes and in different beds every week.(Constant travel has normalized sleeping in varied conditions for him.)
When I first moved to London, I wasn't used to the underground, but now I am used to navigating it effortlessly.(Illustrates a personal progression from unfamiliarity to competence.)
The chef is used to the pressure of a busy kitchen during dinner service.(The intense environment is a normal part of his job.)Are the children used to their new teacher yet?(Are they comfortable and familiar with her presence?)
Common Mistakes
Be used to + -ing(or noun): Describes a current state of being accustomed or familiar with something. Thetois a preposition.- Correct:
I am used to living in a cold climate.(It's normal for me now.) - Incorrect:
I am used to live in a cold climate.(This attempts to combine a present state with a past habit structure.) Used to + infinitive: Describes a past habit or state that no longer exists or happens. Thetois part of the infinitive.- Correct:
I used to live in a warm climate.(I lived there in the past, but not anymore.) - Incorrect:
I am used to live in a warm climate.(Again, mixing structures.)
- Correct:
She is used to driving in heavy traffic. - Incorrect:
She is used to drive in heavy traffic.
be used to + -ing with get used to + -ing:Be used to + -ing(or noun): Describes the result – the state of already being accustomed. The adaptation process is complete.After three months, he is used to the early morning shifts.(He has adapted; it's normal for him now.)Get used to + -ing(or noun): Describes the process of becoming accustomed or familiar. The adaptation is still ongoing.He is still getting used to the early morning shifts.(He is in the process of adapting; it's still a bit challenging.)
Real Conversations
Understanding how be used to + -ing is applied in authentic, everyday English enriches your practical command of the structure. It’s not confined to formal settings but thrives in casual exchanges, professional discourse, and modern digital communication. Here are examples showcasing its natural integration:
1. Casual Conversation between Friends (Voice Call):
- Liam: "Hey, how's your new apartment? Are you used to the noise from the street yet?" (Asking if the adaptation process is complete.)
- Chloe: "Almost! I'm still getting used to hearing sirens all the time, but I am used to the constant chatter from the café downstairs. It's actually kind of comforting now." (Distinguishing between ongoing adaptation and completed adaptation.)
2. Team Meeting (Work Email):
Subject
Hi Team,
Just a quick note on the new project management software. I know it's a big change, but by now, we should all be used to logging our hours there. Please ensure all tasks are updated by EOD. Sarah, are you used to using the new reporting features yet? Let me know if you need a refresher.
Best,
David
(Demonstrates expectations of team adaptation and checking individual progress.)
3. Social Media Post (Instagram Caption):
"First time experiencing a truly northern winter! ❄️ The snow is beautiful, but I'm definitely not used to bundling up in five layers just to step outside! Missing my sunny beaches. #WinterBlues #NorthernLife #NotUsedToThis"
(A personal reflection on a lack of adaptation, often with a humorous tone.)
4. University Study Group (Text Message Exchange):
- Maya: "This professor's lectures are so dense. I'm not used to taking notes this fast!"
- Sam: "I know, right? But you'll get used to it. Remember Professor Davies last semester? We were used to his speed by midterm." (Encouraging words and a reference to past adaptation.)
5. Travel Blog (Written Narrative):
"After a month backpacking through Southeast Asia, I'm used to eating spicy food for every meal. My palate has completely adjusted! And I'm surprisingly used to sleeping in hostels with twenty other people. It's all part of the adventure!"
(Showcasing successful cultural and environmental adaptation during travel.)
These examples illustrate that be used to + -ing is an organic part of English communication, conveying personal experience, progress, or the lack thereof in adapting to various circumstances. It's a natural way to share how your world has changed or how you've changed within it.
Quick FAQ
- Q: What is the primary difference between
be used to + -ingandused to + infinitive?
Be used to + -ing describes a current state of being accustomed or familiar with something. Used to + infinitive describes a past habit or state that no longer happens.
- Q: Can
be used tobe followed by a noun instead of a gerund?
Yes, absolutely. You can say I am used to the cold (noun) just as you can say I am used to feeling cold (gerund). Both are grammatically correct and convey familiarity.
- Q: Why is the
-ingform used afterbe used to?
In this construction, to functions as a preposition, not part of an infinitive. Prepositions are always followed by a noun, pronoun, or a gerund (the -ing form of a verb acting as a noun).
- Q: Is
be used to + -ingmore formal or informal?
It is versatile and used naturally in both formal and informal contexts. Its usage depends more on the situation being described rather than a specific register.
- Q: How does
get used to + -ingdiffer frombe used to + -ing?
Get used to + -ing describes the process of becoming accustomed, while be used to + -ing describes the state of already being accustomed. Think of get as initiating the process and be as signifying its completion.
- Q: Can I use this structure in all tenses?
Yes, be used to can be conjugated into various tenses (present, past, future) by changing the form of the verb to be (am/is/are, was/were, will be).
- Q: Are there any synonyms for
be used to?
Be accustomed to is a direct, slightly more formal synonym. Be familiar with can also sometimes convey a similar meaning, though it might imply knowledge rather than ingrained habituation.
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
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subject + be + used to + [noun/-ing]
|
I am used to the cold.
|
|
Negative
|
Subject + be + not + used to + [noun/-ing]
|
She isn't used to driving.
|
|
Question
|
Be + subject + used to + [noun/-ing]?
|
Are they used to the heat?
|
|
Process
|
Subject + get + used to + [noun/-ing]
|
I am getting used to it.
|
|
Past State
|
Subject + was/were + used to + [noun/-ing]
|
We were used to the noise.
|
|
Future State
|
Subject + will be + used to + [noun/-ing]
|
You will be used to it soon.
|
Formality Spectrum
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)
The Spectrum of Familiarity
New/Strange
- Not used to Unfamiliar
Changing
- Getting used to Adjusting
Normal
- Be used to Accustomed
Used To vs. Be Used To
Examples by Level
I am used to the cold.
She is used to the noise.
Are you used to the food?
They are not used to the sun.
I am used to my new car.
He isn't used to the new teacher.
We are getting used to the new house.
Is she used to her new phone?
I am used to waking up at 6 AM.
She is used to working in a team.
They aren't used to eating so late.
Are you used to living in a flat?
I've finally gotten used to the way he speaks.
She was used to being the best in her class.
You'll get used to the pressure of the job.
We weren't used to having so much free time.
He is quite used to being criticized by the media.
I'm not used to such blatant disregard for the rules.
Having lived in Tokyo, she was used to navigating crowded trains.
They had become used to the silence of the desert.
The seasoned diplomat was used to parrying difficult questions.
One eventually becomes used to the ephemeral nature of fame.
She was used to the rhythmic, almost hypnotic, sound of the loom.
He was used to his authority being absolute and unquestioned.
Easily Confused
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
Sentence Patterns
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.
The 'Familiar With' Test
Don't Forget 'BE'
Use 'Get' for Change
Polite Resignation
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...'
Pronunciation
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.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Remember: 'BE used to -ING'. If you see the verb 'BE', you must use the '-ING'.
Visual Association
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
Challenge
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.
Cultural Notes
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'.
Conversation Starters
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?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
I 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.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
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 Exercises
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:
Match the subjects with the correct form:
Match the beginnings with the correct endings:
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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