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The expressions "be used to" and "get used to" are two of the most commonly confused structures in English grammar. They look similar to each other and to the past habit structure "used to + verb," but they have entirely different meanings and grammatical patterns. "Be used to" means you are already familiar with something, while "get used to" means you are in the process of becoming familiar with something. This guide provides a thorough explanation of both structures with clear examples, comparisons, and practice exercises to help you master the difference.
Table of Contents
Overview: Three "Used To" Structures
Before diving into "be used to" and "get used to," it is essential to understand that English has three distinct structures involving "used to," each with a different meaning and grammatical pattern.
| Structure | Meaning | Followed By | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| used to + base verb | Past habit (no longer true) | Base verb (infinitive) | I used to smoke. |
| be used to + noun/-ing | Already familiar/accustomed | Noun or gerund (-ing) | I am used to smoking rules. |
| get used to + noun/-ing | Becoming familiar/adapting | Noun or gerund (-ing) | I am getting used to the new rules. |
Critical Grammar Point: "Used to" (past habit) is followed by a base verb (infinitive without "to"): "I used to play tennis." "Be used to" and "get used to" are followed by a noun or gerund (-ing form): "I am used to playing tennis" / "I am used to the noise." This grammatical difference is the key to distinguishing the three structures.
Be Used To: Already Familiar
"Be used to" means that someone is already familiar or comfortable with something because they have experienced it many times before. The situation is not new or strange — it is normal for them. The person has adapted completely and the thing in question does not cause any difficulty, surprise, or discomfort.
Structure
Subject + be (am/is/are/was/were) + used to + noun/-ing
Examples with Gerund (-ing)
I am used to waking up early. (It's normal for me; I've done it for years.)
She is used to working long hours. (It doesn't bother her.)
They are used to living in a cold climate. (They're accustomed to the cold.)
He is used to traveling for work. (It's part of his routine.)
Examples with Nouns
I am used to the noise. (The noise doesn't bother me.)
She is used to spicy food. (She enjoys it; it's not too hot for her.)
We are used to the traffic in this city. (It's normal for us.)
He is used to the pressure of his job.
Get Used To: Becoming Familiar
"Get used to" describes the process of becoming familiar with something new. The person has not yet fully adapted but is in the process of adapting. It implies a transition from unfamiliarity to familiarity, from discomfort to comfort, from strangeness to normalcy.
Structure
Subject + get (any tense) + used to + noun/-ing
Examples with Gerund (-ing)
I am getting used to waking up early. (I'm still adjusting, but it's becoming easier.)
She is getting used to working from home. (It was strange at first, but she's adapting.)
They are getting used to living abroad. (The adjustment is ongoing.)
He can't get used to driving on the left. (He's struggling to adapt.)
Examples with Nouns
I am getting used to the weather here. (I'm slowly adapting.)
She is getting used to her new school. (She's adjusting.)
We are getting used to the new system. (We're learning it.)
He can't get used to the food in this country. (He finds it difficult.)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Be Used To | Get Used To |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Already familiar / accustomed | In the process of becoming familiar |
| State vs Process | State (completed adaptation) | Process (ongoing adaptation) |
| Followed by | Noun or gerund (-ing) | Noun or gerund (-ing) |
| Implies difficulty? | No — it's normal now | Often yes — still adjusting |
| Example | I'm used to the cold. | I'm getting used to the cold. |
Be used to (state): After 10 years in Finland, she is used to the dark winters. (It's normal for her now.)
Get used to (process): She moved to Finland last month and is still getting used to the dark winters. (She's adapting.)
Using Different Tenses
Both "be used to" and "get used to" can be used in any tense by changing the form of "be" or "get." This flexibility allows you to talk about familiarity in the past, present, and future.
Be Used To in Different Tenses
Present: I am used to working nights.
Past: I was used to working nights. (I was accustomed to it then.)
Future: You will be used to it soon. (You'll be comfortable with it eventually.)
Present perfect: She has never been used to such luxury.
Get Used To in Different Tenses
Present continuous: I am getting used to the new schedule.
Past simple: I got used to the noise eventually. (The process is complete.)
Future: You will get used to it in time.
Present perfect: She has got used to living alone.
Negative: I can't get used to this software. (I'm struggling.)
Negatives and Questions
Be Used To: Negatives and Questions
I am not used to eating so early. (It's unusual for me.)
Are you used to the hot weather here?
She wasn't used to being alone when she first moved out.
Get Used To: Negatives and Questions
I can't get used to this new phone. (It's hard to adapt.)
Are you getting used to your new job?
He never got used to the cold weather. (He never adapted.)
Did you get used to driving on the right?
Be/Get Used To vs "Used To" (Past Habit)
This is the most common source of confusion. Here is the key distinction illustrated with three similar-looking but completely different sentences:
"Used to" (past habit): I used to drive to work. (I drove in the past, but I don't anymore.)
"Be used to" (familiarity): I am used to driving to work. (I'm comfortable with the drive; it's normal for me.)
"Get used to" (adaptation): I am getting used to driving to work. (I'm still adapting to the commute.)
| Structure | Time Reference | Followed By | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| used to + verb | Past only | Base verb | Past habit, no longer true |
| be used to + noun/-ing | Any tense | Noun / gerund | Already accustomed |
| get used to + noun/-ing | Any tense | Noun / gerund | Becoming accustomed |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Using Base Verb After "Be Used To"
Incorrect: I am used to wake up early.
Correct: I am used to waking up early.
Mistake 2: Confusing "Used To" (Past Habit) with "Be Used To"
Incorrect meaning: "I used to the noise" doesn't make sense.
Past habit: I used to hear the noise every night. (past habit)
Familiarity: I am used to the noise. (I'm accustomed to it now.)
Mistake 3: Using "Get Used To" When "Be Used To" Is More Appropriate
Odd: I've lived here for 30 years. I'm getting used to the weather. (After 30 years, you should be fully adapted!)
Better: I've lived here for 30 years. I am used to the weather.
Mistake 4: Forgetting "To" in the Expression
Incorrect: I am used working late.
Correct: I am used to working late.
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Form
1. She ___ (be used to / get used to) spicy food — she grew up in Thailand.
2. He just moved to London. He ___ (be used to / get used to) the rain.
3. I ___ (used to / am used to) play football when I was young.
4. After three months, I finally ___ (got used to / was used to) the early mornings.
5. ___ you ___ (be used to / get used to) driving on the left yet?
Answers
1. She is used to spicy food. (Already familiar.)
2. He is getting used to the rain. (In the process of adapting.)
3. I used to play football when I was young. (Past habit.)
4. After three months, I finally got used to the early mornings. (Adaptation complete.)
5. Have you got used to driving on the left yet? (Asking about adaptation process.)
Summary
"Be used to" and "get used to" are essential English expressions for discussing familiarity and adaptation. "Be used to" describes a state of being already accustomed to something, while "get used to" describes the process of becoming accustomed. Both are followed by a noun or gerund (-ing form), which distinguishes them from "used to + base verb" (a past habit). These structures can be used in any tense by changing the form of "be" or "get." By understanding the difference between these three "used to" structures and practicing them in context, you will avoid one of the most common sources of confusion in English grammar and communicate about familiarity and change with confidence and precision.
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