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Many English learners confuse the two forms of used to. Read this lesson to understand the difference!
used to = accustomed to
The first meaning of used to is “accustomed to” – when something was strange or different for you in the past, but now you think it’s normal:
- When I first moved to Korea, I didn’t like the food – but now I’m used to it.
- We‘re used to waking up early – we do it every day.
- My 4-year-old son cried on the first day of school; he wasn’t used to being away from his mother the whole day.
- It took me a long time to get used to driving on the right side of the road after I moved from New York to London.
- So, you’ve lived in Finland for 5 years – are you used to the cold weather yet?
Before this form of used to, we use the verbs BE and GET – “be” to describe the state of being accustomed to something, and “get” to describe the process of becoming accustomed to something.
After this form of used to, we use a noun or the -ing form.
used to / didn’t use to = something you did repeatedly in the past, but not now
The second meaning of used to is to describe actions you did repeatedly in the past, but that you don’t do now:
- When I was a child, I used to go to the beach with my grandparents.
- He used to play tennis, but he stopped a few years ago.
- She didn’t use to like vegetables, but now she eats them frequently.
- They didn’t use to come to church, but now they’re among the most dedicated members.
- Did you use to drink a lot in your college years?
After this form of used to, we use the infinitive of the verb.
Quiz: Two forms of USED TO
Choose the best form to complete each sentence. Good luck!
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Question 1 |
After changing diapers for six children over the course of twelve years, she's __________ by now!
A | get used to it |
B | used to it |
C | not used to it |
Question 2 |
I had just ____________ the database program at work when they changed it. Now I'll have to learn a completely new system.
A | used to |
B | gotten used to |
C | being used to |
Question 3 |
Has she taken voice lessons? She ____________ so well.
A | isn't used to singing |
B | didn't use to sing |
C | got used to singing |
Question 4 |
My brother and I __________ a lot when we were younger, but now we get along fine.
A | didn't use to fight |
B | used to fight |
C | are used to fighting |
Question 5 |
Carla __________ her entire salary on new clothes and shoes, but now she's more disciplined with her money.
A | used to spend |
B | didn't use to spend |
C | is used to spending |
Question 6 |
Before the invention of e-mail, people __________ wait days or weeks for a reply to a letter.
A | were used to |
B | used to |
C | got used to |
Question 7 |
I _________ business meetings being so formal - in my country, we're a little more laid-back (=relaxed).
A | don't used to |
B | 'm not used to |
C | didn't get used to |
Question 8 |
Now my father is bald, but he _________ black hair.
A | was used to have |
B | is used to having |
C | used to have |
Question 9 |
After getting married and moving in together, you need to ____________ all the annoying habits of your husband or wife.
A | be used to |
B | come used to |
C | get used to |
Question 10 |
I just moved to a tiny apartment and I __________ so little space.
A | am used to have |
B | didn't use to have |
C | 'm not used to having |
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