Used to, would and be used to
Past habits with used to and would, and the difference between be used to and get used to.
'Used to' looks simple, but there are three different structures here – and Part 4 mixes them up on purpose!
Past habits and states
Be / get used to
Here 'to' is a preposition, so it is followed by a noun or -ing.
How it comes up in Part 4
In Part 4 you complete the second sentence with the key word, so that it means the same as the first one (2–5 words).
USED
I used to live in the countryside when I was a child.
A past state that is no longer true → used to.
USED
I'm used to working at night.
Be used to + -ing = it is familiar.
GET
It was hard for me to get used to the cold weather.
Get used to = become familiar with.
Common mistakes
- ✗ I'm used to get up early.✓ I'm used to getting up early.'To' is a preposition here → -ing.
- ✗ I use to play football.✓ I used to play football.In the positive, it is always 'used to'.
- ✗ Did you used to live here?✓ Did you use to live here?After did / didn't → use to (no -d).
Ask yourself: is it a past habit that stopped (used to + infinitive) or something that is/becomes familiar (be / get used to + -ing)? And don't use 'would' for states: 'I would live in Madrid' ✗.
Quick check
Complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first. Use the key word and write 2–5 words.
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