B1 Gerunds & Infinitives 15 min read Médio

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

Dominar 'be used to + -ing' vai te fazer soar super natural quando você fala sobre seus current habits e comfort zones!
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Pratique

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

Já tentou mudar de um iPhone para um Android e sentiu como se seus polegares tivessem quebrado de repente? Ou talvez você se mudou para um novo país e continua tentando entrar pelo lado do motorista, apenas para perceber que o volante está do outro lado? Essa sensação de 'isso é estranho' acaba desaparecendo.
Quando isso acontece, você precisa de uma estrutura gramatical específica para descrever sua nova zona de conforto. É aí que entra o be used to. É a ponte entre 'isso é estranho' e 'esta é minha vida normal'.
A maioria das pessoas estraga tudo ao confundir isso com hábitos passados. Mas hoje, vamos garantir que você nunca mais cometa esse erro.

How This Grammar Works

A coisa mais importante a lembrar é que o to nesta frase é uma preposição. Não faz parte de um infinitivo. Este é o momento 'ah-há!' para a maioria dos alunos.
Como to é uma preposição, ele deve ser seguido por um substantivo ou um gerúndio (a forma -ing). Você não pode segui-lo com um verbo base. Pense nisso como a frase 'excited about'.
Você diz 'I am excited about the party' ou 'I am excited about going'. Você não diz 'I am excited about go'. A mesma lógica se aplica aqui.
Você está used to algo. Esse 'algo' é o seu substantivo ou gerúndio. Ele descreve sua realidade atual.

Formation Pattern

1
Comece com seu Sujeito (I, You, The cat, My roommate).
2
Adicione a forma correta do verbo to be. Isso muda com base no seu sujeito e no tempo de que você está falando (am, is, are, was, were, will be).
3
Adicione a frase fixa used to.
4
Termine com um Gerúndio (verbo -ing) ou um Substantivo/Pronome.

When To Use It

Use isso quando algo se tornou 'normal' para você.
  • Novos Ambientes: Você se mudou para um dormitório e finalmente está used to compartilhar o banheiro com cinco estranhos.
  • Tecnologia: Você acabou de ganhar um mouse gamer novo e está used to os botões extras.
  • Clima: Você se mudou da Flórida para o Canadá e finalmente está used to usar três camadas de roupas.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Esquecer o verbo 'be': As pessoas dizem 'I used to the city.' Errado! Você precisa do am/is/are. Correto: 'I am used to the city.'
  2. 2Usar o infinitivo: Este é o grande erro. As pessoas dizem 'I am used to wake up early.' Seu professor de inglês acabou de desmaiar. Use o -ing! Correto: 'I am used to waking up early.'

Contrast With Similar Patterns

  • Used to + Verbo Base: Para hábitos passados. 'I used to eat meat' (eu sou vegetariano agora).
  • Be used to + Gerúndio: Para o estado de estar acostumado. 'I am used to the noise' (o barulho não me incomoda mais).

Quick FAQ

Q

Posso usar para pessoas?

Sim! 'I'm used to my roommate's snoring.'

Q

É sempre -ing?

Sim, se você usar um verbo. Ou use apenas um substantivo: '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 Acostumado a Algo (Be Used To + -ing)
Padrão Significado Exemplo
Be used to + -ing
Estar acostumado/familiarizado (estado atual)
I'm used to waking up early.
Get used to + -ing
O processo de se acostumar
I'm getting used to waking up early.
Used to + infinitive
Hábito/estado passado, não mais verdadeiro
I used to wake up late.
Be used for + noun/-ing
Propósito de um objeto
This knife is used for cutting bread.
Be used as + noun
Função/papel de um objeto
This box can be used as a table.

Espectro de formalidade

Formal
I have become accustomed to the revised schedule.

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

Neutro
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)

Gíria
I'm down with the new shift.

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

Be Used To + -ing: Sua Zona de Conforto

Be Used To + -ing

Estrutura

  • Sujeito e.g., I, She, We
  • Verbo To Be am, is, are, was, were
  • Used to A frase fixa
  • Gerúndio Verb + -ing

Uso

  • Hábitos Atuais Routine actions
  • Adaptação Adjusted to new situations
  • Zona de Conforto Things that feel normal
  • Também com substantivos! Used to + noun (e.g., the cold)

Contraste Com

  • Used to + Inf. Past habits, no longer true
  • Get Used To + -ing Process of adapting

Used To: Uma Família de Frases

Be Used To + -ing
I'm used to waking up early. Acostumado agora.
She's used to the noise. Considera normal.
Get Used To + -ing
I'm getting used to waking up early. No processo de adaptação.
She's getting used to the noise. Ainda se adaptando.
Used To + Infinitive
I used to wake up late. Hábito passado, não mais.
She used to live in a quiet town. Estado passado, não agora.

Qual 'Used To' Usar?

1

Você está falando de um hábito ou estado passado que não existe mais?

YES
Use: used to + infinitive
NO
Continuar
2

Você está descrevendo o *processo* de se acostumar com algo?

YES
Use: get used to + -ing
NO
Continuar
3

Você está descrevendo um *estado* de já estar acostumado com algo?

YES
Use: be used to + -ing
NO
Reavalie sua intenção!

Atividades às Quais nos Acostumamos

⏰

Rotinas Diárias

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

Novos Ambientes

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

Vida Profissional

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

Situações Sociais

  • • speaking English
  • • meeting new people
  • • large gatherings
  • • different customs
Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

Exemplos por nível

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.

Erros comuns

✗

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').

Padrões de frases

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.

Cadastre-se grátis para ver todos os exemplos
💡

Atenção ao 'Be'!

Sempre confira se o verbo 'to be' (am, is, are, was, were, will be) está antes de 'used to'. Se ele sumir, provavelmente você está falando de um hábito antigo, com 'used to + infinitivo'.
She is used to waking up early now.
⚠️

Gerúndio é Essencial!

Essa é a pegadinha! Lembre-se, o 'to' em 'be used to' é uma preposição, então ele PRECISA ser seguido por um verbo com -ing (gerúndio). Não use a forma base do verbo!
I am used to driving.
🎯

Pense: 'É Normal Pra Mim?'

Para decidir se usa 'be used to + -ing', pergunte-se: 'Essa atividade ou situação é normal e confortável para mim AGORA?' Se sim, essa é a forma correta!
I am used to the cold weather.
🌍

Adaptando-se a Novas Culturas

Esse padrão é muito útil para falar sobre adaptação cultural. Por exemplo, "I'm used to eating dinner late here ou She's not used to the direct communication style yet."
💡

Substantivos Também Funcionam!

Não se esqueça que você pode usar 'be used to' com substantivos ou frases nominais, não só com gerúndios. Por exemplo, "I'm used to the traffic em 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.

Pronúncia

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.

Memorize

Mnemônico

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

Associação 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

Desafio

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 culturais

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'.

Iniciadores de conversa

“

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 diário

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.

Erros comuns

Incorrect

Correto

Incorrect

Correto

Incorrect

Correto

Incorrect

Correto

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Escolha a forma correta para completar a frase.

He ___ used to working in a team.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is
'He' usa o singular 'is' no presente.
Encontre e corrija o erro na frase. 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.
Depois de 'be used to', o verbo deve estar na forma de gerúndio (-ing). 'Drive' deveria ser 'driving'.
Digite a frase correta em inglês. Tradução

Traduza para o inglês: '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."]
O padrão 'be used to + -ing' expressa estar acostumado a algo. 'Getting up early' é a forma de gerúndio.
Coloque as palavras em ordem para formar uma frase correta. 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
A ordem correta é Sujeito + 'be' + 'used to' + Substantivo. 'Noise' é um substantivo aqui.

Score: /4

Exercicios praticos

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. Múltipla escolha

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
Escolha a forma correta. Preencher as lacunas

They were used to ___ all night for exams.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: studying
Escolha a forma correta. Preencher as lacunas

My cat ___ used to sleeping on my bed.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is
Encontre e corrija o erro. 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.
Encontre e corrija o erro. 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.
Qual frase está correta? Múltipla escolha

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I am used to eating spicy food.
Qual frase está correta? Múltipla escolha

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: They weren't used to traveling so much.
Digite a frase correta em inglês. Tradução

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."]
Digite a frase correta em inglês. Tradução

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?"]
Coloque as palavras em ordem para formar uma frase correta. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He is already used to the new software
Coloque as palavras em ordem para formar uma frase correta. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She is always used to staying up late
Combine cada situação com a frase 'used to' correta. Match Pairs

Match the subjects with the correct form:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Combine o início da frase com o seu final correto. Match Pairs

Match the beginnings with the correct endings:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched

Score: /12

Perguntas frequentes (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

Cadastre-se grátis para praticar

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
Não consigo evitar! (Can't Help + Gerúndio)

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