be used to & get used to
Familiarity, and the process of becoming familiar.
The rules
- "Be used to" + -ing (here "to" is a preposition): "used to getting up".
- The process of adapting: "get used to": "can't get used to".
- "Used to + verb" = past habit; "be used to + -ing" = accustomed now.
- "Get used TO" keeps the "to" + -ing: "got used to eating".
- Future adaptation: "will get used to + noun".
- "Be used to" + -ing: "not used to speaking".
Examples
- I'm used to getting up early, I've done it for years.
- She can't get used to the cold winters here.
- The first is a past habit; the second is present familiarity.
- After a month in Japan, he got used to eating with chopsticks.
- You will get used to the noise.
- I'm not used to speaking in public.
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.I'm used to _____ up early, I've done it for years.
2.She can't _____ used to the cold winters here.
3.What does "I used to drive on the left" mean, compared with "I'm used to driving on the left"?
4.After a month in Japan, he got used _____ with chopsticks.
5.Which sentence is correct?