EvaLoVeE
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April 13, 2026
Hi everyone!
I’ve been practicing my writing lately, but I keep getting stuck on a specific grammar point. Could you help me clarify something?
Subject: Confused about “Used to” vs. “Be used to” vs. “Get used to”
I often find myself mixing these up when I’m speaking. For example, if I want to say that I lived in a small village in the past but I don’t anymore, I know I should use “I used to live…”
But things get tricky when I want to describe a new habit. Should I say “I am used to wake up early” or “I am used to waking up early”? And if I’m still in the process of adjusting to a new job, is it correct to say “I’m getting used to work late”?
The “-ing” part always confuses me—does it always follow “be used to”? I’d really appreciate it if someone could explain the “formula” for these three in a simple way so I stop making these mistakes!
Thanks a lot!
1
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Hi there, thank you for your question!
Here is the simple breakdown to help you remember the "formula" forever:
1. Used to + Verb
Meaning: A past habit or state that is no longer true.
Formula: S + used to + V (base form)
Example: "I used to live in a small village." (I don't live there now).
2. Be used to + V-ing / Noun
Meaning: To be accustomed to something; it is normal for you.
Formula: S + be (am/is/are) + used to + V-ing
Correcting your example: "I am used to waking up early." (It's easy for me now).
3. Get used to + V-ing / Noun
Meaning: The process of becoming familiar with something.
Formula: S + get + used to + V-ing
Correcting your example: "I’m getting used to working late." (I'm still adjusting).
The Golden Rule
If you see "Be" or "Get", use "-ing".
Used to + Verb (Past habit)
Be/Get used to + V-ing (Familiarity)
Hope this helps!